NATO Research and Development

NATO Research and Development is a cooperative effort aimed at improving the conventional defense capabilities of the U.S. and its allied partners, including NATO, major non-NATO allies, and friendly foreign countries. The program focuses on technology sharing and joint equipment development to reduce U.S. acquisition costs and enhance multinational force compatibility with potential coalition partners. It specifically aims to demonstrate, validate, and ensure interoperability of Army weapon systems and command, control, communications, and information (C3I) systems through international cooperative initiatives. The program also supports the development of technologies for ground systems, aviation systems, communications interoperability, electronics technologies, weapons, and munitions to maintain U.S. technical superiority and combat overmatch.

The objectives of Program PE 0603790A include implementing provisions for cooperative research and development projects with allied countries as outlined in Title 10 United States Code, Section 2350a. The program seeks to expand worldwide allied standardization interoperability through cooperative research and development (R&D) and technology sharing in support of the U.S. Army. This involves engaging in international agreements with foreign partners to define scope, cost, work sharing arrangements, management, contracting, security, data protection, and third-party transfers. Additionally, the program aims to pursue cooperative initiatives that were postponed or canceled due to funding reductions in previous years and to develop necessary standardization programs for improved defense capabilities of the U.S. and partner countries.