SOLDIER BORNE SENSOR

The Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) program is a line item within the Army's Other Procurement budget, managed under Agile Portfolio Management. The primary goal of this program is to provide squad-level units with advanced situational awareness through the procurement of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These sensors are designed to deliver near real-time video feeds over a three-kilometer range with a 35-minute endurance. This capability enables soldiers to assess complex and restrictive environments while minimizing exposure to threats. The SBS program is part of the Department of Defense's Capability Based (Agile) Funding Pilot, which aims to accelerate the deployment of innovative technologies to meet evolving operational requirements.

The objectives of the Soldier Borne Sensor procurement in FY 2026 include acquiring SBS systems, along with initial spares, fielding costs, and funding for System Engineering Program Management (SEPM). This procurement supports both active and reserve Army components, as well as the Air National Guard, for missions related to homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities. The Army has established an Acquisition Objective for these systems, with the first units equipped in FY 2019, demonstrating the program's maturity and integration into operational forces.

The Manufacturing (SBS Phase 2) line item details the production of the SBS systems by Teledyne-FLIR, with manufacturing locations in Kentucky and Norway. The contract is scheduled to be awarded in March 2026, with initial deliveries beginning in June 2026. The production rate is set to ensure timely fulfillment of the Army's requirements, reflecting the emphasis on efficient procurement and rapid fielding of these capabilities.

The Systems Engineering/Program Management (Government) line supports oversight and integration activities necessary for the successful deployment of the SBS systems. This includes funding for government program management and matrix support. These resources ensure that technical requirements, testing, and fielding are coordinated across Army units, maintaining system reliability and operational effectiveness.

The Training & Fielding component is dedicated to preparing soldiers to effectively operate and maintain the SBS systems. This includes the development of training materials, conducting field exercises, and supporting initial deployment activities. The objective is to maximize the operational impact of the sensors by ensuring end-users are proficient in their use and maintenance.

The Initial Spares line provides for reparable components and spare parts necessary to sustain the SBS systems in the field. This ensures operational continuity and reduces downtime, supporting the Army's readiness goals. The inclusion of spares in the procurement plan reflects a holistic approach to lifecycle management and logistical support.

The Soldier Borne Sensor program is justified by its ability to enhance force protection, maneuverability, and decision-making at the squad level. By leveraging agile funding and realigning resources from previous robotics and sensor initiatives, the Army aims to keep pace with technological advancements and address emerging threats. The program's goals are aligned with broader defense objectives to modernize the force, improve situational awareness, and support multi-domain operations in both domestic and overseas environments.