Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) Adv Dev

The Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) Advanced Development program (PE 0604036A) is a key Army initiative aimed at transforming Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (A-ISR) capabilities to support Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The overarching goal of the MDSS program is to develop, prototype, and integrate a family of advanced sensing systems that enable deep sensing across multiple domains, providing the Army with enhanced situational awareness and targeting capabilities against peer and near-peer adversaries. The MDSS portfolio includes several platforms and sensor combinations, such as HADES, HAP-DS, ARGOS, HERMES, and Launched Effects (LE). These are designed to be scalable, platform-agnostic, and capable of technical insertion into various manned and unmanned aerial systems.

BY9: Multi-Domain Sensing System Advanced Development was established to support the initial prototyping of sensor technologies for the MDSS family of systems. The primary objectives of BY9 were to acquire and integrate advanced payloads and mission equipment packages (MEPs) for technical insertion into A-ISR platforms, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), high-altitude balloons, and medium-altitude manned and unmanned systems. These efforts focused on leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) for automated target recognition, sensor cross-cueing, and data correlation, as well as ensuring compliance with Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) standards for resilient communications. Funding for BY9 in FY 2024 supported sensor acquisition, integration, and program management, but future funding and execution have transitioned to the DD6 project.

DD6: HADES Platform, Payloads/PED, and Integration is the Army's top priority within the MDSS portfolio and serves as the centerpiece of the A-ISR transformation strategy. The High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) is a commercial jet modified for military use, equipped with advanced sensors for Communications Intelligence (COMINT), Electronics Intelligence (ELINT), and Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator (SAR/MTI) capabilities. The objective of the HADES program is to provide the Army with a highly mobile, long-endurance platform capable of deep sensing, rapid global deployment, and supporting the operational imperative for organic deep sensing in support of MDO.

The HADES program follows an incremental acquisition strategy, with three prototype aircraft planned for development between FY 2024 and FY 2026. Increment 1 (Prototypes #1 and #2) focuses on integrating initial COMINT, ELINT, SAR/MTI sensors, and establishing a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) digital backbone. Increment 2 (Prototype #3) will introduce advanced sensor upgrades, Electronic Warfare (EW), Radio Frequency-enabled Cyber, and Launched Effects, as well as further AI/ML enhancements. The FY 2026 budget supports the concurrent development and integration of all three prototypes, with extensive engineering, system integration, and operational demonstration activities planned to inform future procurement decisions.

Key objectives for FY 2026 include completing the integration and delivery of Prototype #1, advancing the integration and testing of Prototype #2, and initiating the acquisition and integration of Prototype #3 with Increment 2 capabilities. The program also funds sensor acquisition, Processing, Exploitation, and Detection (PED) equipment, and sensor architecture integration support for all prototypes. These efforts are managed by Project Manager Fixed Wing (PM FW) and Project Director Sensors Aerial Intelligence (PD SAI), with additional support from other government agencies for contracting, airworthiness, testing, safety, and logistics.

The justification for the MDSS and HADES investments centers on the need to address evolving threats and operational requirements for deep sensing and rapid ISR coverage across large geographical areas. HADES is expected to significantly enhance the Army's ability to detect, track, and target adversary forces, thereby increasing lethality and survivability for U.S. forces. The program is aligned with the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) and supports the Headquarters Department of the Army Deputy Chief of Staff (HQDA DCS) G2 strategy that emphasizes intelligence as the foundation of lethality.