Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SUAV) (6.4)

The Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SUAV) Program Element (PE 0604101A) is a key Army research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing the capabilities of small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) to support ground maneuver elements at the battalion level and below. The overarching goal of this program is to ensure Army formations have access to the most advanced and emerging technologies, enabling ground-based forces to project power, enhance situational awareness, and maintain force protection in complex operational environments. The program supports the Army's broader transformation objectives by integrating modular, scalable, and autonomous technologies into small UAS platforms.

Within the SUAV program, the Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) system is designed to provide organic maneuver platoons with a lightweight, portable aerial vehicle for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA). The SRR system is lightweight, offers a moderate operational range, and has an endurance suitable for short missions. Key objectives for SRR development include the integration of modular payloads, obstacle avoidance, target recognition, automated following, and networked capabilities. The program also emphasizes a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to enable swappable payloads and software scalability, ensuring the system can adapt to evolving mission requirements.

The Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR) system is intended to equip maneuver battalions with a more capable uncrewed air vehicle for extended RSTA missions. The LRR system is designed for longer range and endurance compared to SRR. Development objectives for LRR include the integration of assured positioning, navigation, and timing (APNT), electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, laser targeting/designation, and kinetic architectures suitable for contested environments. Advanced component development efforts also focus on embedding artificial intelligence-enabled flight controls, resilient communications data links, and modular mission payload interfaces.

The Joint Tactical Autonomous Aerial Resupply System (JTAARS) represents another critical objective within the SUAV program, aiming to provide autonomous aerial cargo delivery capabilities to maneuver commanders. JTAARS is designed to deliver supplies over moderate distances, thereby reducing reliance on ground lines of communication and manned convoys. The primary goal is to enable rapid and agile sustainment of highly mobile tactical forces, reduce risks to personnel, and streamline the supply chain in dispersed operational areas.

In fiscal year 2026, SUAV program funding was realigned to Program Element 0609345A (Unmanned Aerial Systems Launched Effects Agile Systems Development) as part of the Department of Defense Capability Based (Agile) Funding pilot. This realignment is intended to foster innovation and accelerate the deployment of promising technologies by providing enhanced flexibility in funding. Efforts in this period were set to investigate advanced technologies such as GPS-denied navigation, resilient APNT, low probability of detect/intercept data links for LRR, and interfaces for common mission payloads, including communications relay, electronic warfare, and lethal munitions.

The System Engineering Program Management (SEPM) component of the SUAV program provides oversight and integration support for the development of SRR, LRR, and JTAARS air vehicles. This includes managing advanced component development, system integration, and test and evaluation activities. The acquisition strategy for SRR leverages the Middle Tier Acquisition pathway for rapid prototyping, with successful transitions to Major Capability Acquisition at the production decision point. LRR and JTAARS have also followed structured acquisition decision processes, with JTAARS utilizing the Urgent Capability Acquisition pathway to accelerate fielding based on operational assessments.

The SUAV program is structured to address current and emerging operational gaps by delivering modular, scalable, and rapidly deployable small uncrewed aircraft systems. The program's objectives are closely aligned with Army modernization priorities, ensuring that ground forces are equipped with advanced reconnaissance, targeting, and sustainment capabilities to operate effectively in contested and dynamic environments.