Rapid Prototyping Program

The Rapid Prototyping Program (RPP), managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is designed to accelerate the development and fielding of advanced military prototypes that address urgent and emergent capability gaps for the joint force. The primary objective of the RPP is to mature technologies to a level suitable for operational assessment (Technology Readiness Level 7-9) within 12 to 24 months, enabling rapid transition to programs of record or direct fielding. The program supports Department of Defense (DoD) priorities such as defending the homeland, building sustainable long-term advantages, and creating a resilient joint force and defense ecosystem.

RPP projects are selected based on joint urgent needs identified through coordination with the Joint Staff, Combatant Commands (CCMDs), and guidance from the Secretary of Defense. The requirements for prototypes are developed using threat-informed, physics-based mission analyses and are evaluated through experimentation campaigns under the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Mission Capabilities (OASD(MC)). The program collaborates with entities such as the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and the military services to ensure cross-cutting, interoperable solutions.

For FY 2026, the RPP is organized around several focus areas aligned to persistent capability gaps and Secretary of Defense priorities. These include Kill Web Interoperability, which enables joint force commanders to integrate sensors and weapons for rapid targeting, and Resilient Communications, which ensures secure communications in contested electromagnetic environments, including alternate position, navigation, and timing. Other areas of focus are Sensors and Data Analytics, which develops sensor networks and data analysis tools for strategic and tactical awareness, and Collaborative Multi-Domain Autonomy, which leverages uncrewed systems and autonomy to enhance warfighting and reduce risk to personnel.

Additional focus areas include Contested Logistics/Sustainment, which innovates logistics and sustainment for dispersed forces in contested environments, including supply chain reduction and additive manufacturing. Weapons Kinetic/Non-Kinetic Effects delivers advanced weapon systems and effects, including countermeasures and deception techniques. Emerging Prototypes and Enablers accelerates unique capabilities, special forces technologies, medical devices, and rapid prototyping through small business and non-traditional pathways.

Specific projects within the RPP illustrate the program's breadth. The Low SWAP-C RF Sensors project developed low-cost, low-power radio frequency sensors for maritime awareness. The MUSIC and MATER efforts focused on resilient, scalable, and secure communications for unmanned systems. The Wolfpack and Swarming Prototype Attack UAS projects advanced multi-domain, attritable uncrewed systems for kinetic and electronic warfare missions. The Stratospheric Payload Development and Maturation project matured high-altitude platforms and payloads for persistent ISR and communications.

In the area of advanced munitions, the Advanced Energetics Prototyping and Demonstration and High Reliability Cluster Munitions (HRCM) projects aim to demonstrate improved warhead effectiveness, lethality, and operational flexibility by incorporating novel materials and architectures. The Joint Fires Network prototype seeks to integrate sensors and weapons across services to enable rapid, coordinated targeting and engagement. Congressional adds, such as the Undersea Kinetic Multi-Payload Capable USV, accelerate the integration of kinetic payloads on uncrewed surface vehicles for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

The RPP employs agile acquisition strategies, including the use of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and flexible contracting, to rapidly select, fund, and execute projects in response to emerging threats and opportunities. The program's overarching goal is to reduce technical and integration risk, accelerate the delivery of capabilities to the warfighter, and inform future acquisition programs, all while maintaining close coordination with the services, CCMDs, and other defense agencies.