Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) Sensor Suite

The Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) Sensor Suite Upgrade (SSU) is a program element within the Army's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, specifically under PE 0605038A. The primary goal of this program is to modernize the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) sensor suite integrated into the Stryker NBCRV platform. This modernization aims to enhance the maintainability, reliability, and maneuverability of Army reconnaissance forces, while increasing the standoff distance from hazardous threats. The NBCRV SSU is designed to improve the Army's ability to conduct mounted CBRN reconnaissance and surveillance operations. These improvements support large-scale combat operations and reduce risk to personnel.

For Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, the NBCRV SSU program is allocated base RDT&E funding targeted to complete the integration of Capability Set 2.2 (CS2.2) and to continue its development and operational testing. The CS2.2 upgrade is intended to deliver advanced sensing payloads and facilitate human-machine integration (HMI) by enabling the sensor suite to be mounted on robotic platforms. This integration supports the Army's updated priorities for CBRN reconnaissance and aligns with a new Capability Development Document (CDD) anticipated for approval in FY 2026.

The principal project under this budget line focuses on continuing the integration of CS2.2 sensors and initiating developmental and operational testing in FY 2025. Plans for FY 2026 include further integration and expanded testing activities, as well as ongoing program office management, resource justification, milestone tracking, and budgeting. The increase in funding from FY 2025 to FY 2026 is primarily due to the commencement of system-level testing, which is a critical step toward fielding the upgraded capability.

The acquisition strategy for the NBCRV SSU involves integrating modular mission payloads onto platforms through a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based sole source contract, spanning FY 2025 to FY 2027. Component-level testing began in FY 2025, with system-level testing scheduled from FY 2027 through FY 2029. The program aims to achieve First Unit Equipped (FUE) status in FY 2030, marking the transition from development to operational deployment. Future procurement will be structured to support incremental capability enhancements for CBRN reconnaissance platforms, reflecting the Army's evolving operational requirements.

Key program management activities are performed by the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO CBRND) at Edgewood, MD. In FY 2026, funding is allocated for government program management to ensure effective oversight and administration. Product development, including CS2.2 sensor integration, is contracted to FLIR in Elkridge, MD. Additional support activities such as systems engineering and developmental testing are conducted at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD, and other locations.

The NBCRV SSU program is justified by its potential to provide decision-quality data to commanders, enabling risk-based decisions and maintaining operational momentum. By integrating advanced CBRN sensors and leveraging robotic platforms, the program seeks to reduce exposure of personnel to hazardous environments and ensure freedom of action during combat operations. The FY 2026 budget reflects a reduction for Advisory and Assistance Services, in line with Executive Order 14222, which emphasizes government efficiency and cost savings.