Soldier Lethality Technology

The Soldier Lethality Technology program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0602143A, is a comprehensive Army research and development initiative focused on enhancing the effectiveness, survivability, and operational readiness of individual Soldiers and small units. The overarching goal is to integrate advanced technologies and systems into a cohesive Soldier and Squad architecture. This approach aims to improve lethality, protection, mobility, sustainability, and cognitive and physical performance. The program supports the Army Modernization Priority for Soldier Lethality and involves collaboration across multiple Army agencies, including the Army Futures Command, Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Soldier Center (SC), and the C5ISR Center.

AY6: Soldier Squad Small Arms Armaments Technology aims to advance individual and crew-served weapon systems, focusing on innovative ballistic and incapacitation technologies to defeat a range of infantry targets at extended ranges. The project supports the Next Generation Family of Weapons and includes research into non-kinetic incapacitation methods, medium and heavy support weapons upgrades, and 120mm mortar modernization. The Armaments Center and ARL lead efforts to improve weapon accuracy, develop high-pressure ballistic technologies, and maintain overmatch against emerging threats.

AZ2: Body Armor & Integrated Headborne Technology is dedicated to developing advanced materials and designs for Soldier-borne protective equipment, such as body armor and helmets. The project investigates novel materials, component designs, and methods to enhance protection against ballistic, blast, and directed energy threats while reducing weight and improving comfort. Research includes helmet material innovations, antifogging solutions for eyewear, and scalable plate protection. The Soldier Center serves as the primary executing agency.

AZ5: Soldier Protection Technology - Vulnerability focuses on lightweight, flexible, and modular protection systems tailored to the 'Soldier as a system' approach. Key objectives include developing advanced ceramic and composite materials, computational models for injury assessment, and novel camouflage and concealment materials using machine learning. The ARL leads research to address emerging threats, such as UAS-borne attacks, and to optimize armor solutions for head, torso, and extremities.

BB4: Dismounted Soldier Survivability Materials investigates fibers, textiles, and multifunctional materials to protect Soldiers from combat and environmental threats, including flame, thermal, blast, and multispectral sensor detection. The project also explores power and data transmission through textiles, water purification devices, and camouflage materials to reduce detection by aided target recognition algorithms. The Soldier Center conducts systematic studies to balance protection, mobility, and lethality.

BC2: Next Gen Mobility & Lethality Tech for Warfighters addresses human performance optimization, developing predictive algorithms and assessment tools to inform equipment design and training. Research includes cognitive and physical augmentation, nutritional supplementation, and brain-computer interface technologies to enhance decision-making and operational effectiveness. The Soldier Center collaborates with other services to ensure cross-domain applicability.

BC7: Training Technology (Other than STE) funds research into immersive training environments, including virtual, mixed, and augmented reality, as well as medical training simulations and synthetic cyberspace effects. The Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) and Soldier Center develop AI-driven training methods, digital terrain models, and simulation management technologies to improve readiness and reduce training time. The project also supports the development of multi-domain operational training frameworks.

BD1: Advanced Soldier Sensors/Displays Tech for Dismounts develops low-power, modular sensor and display components to improve situational awareness and reduce fratricide. The C5ISR Center leads efforts in electro-optic/infrared sensor development, data fusion, and advanced display technologies, including augmented reality and micro-displays, to enable rapid threat identification and response in all environments.

BD6: Soldier System Interfaces/Integration - Sensor Tech investigates advanced robotics, autonomous systems, and user interfaces to enhance small unit situational awareness and lethality. Research focuses on autonomy algorithms for Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), manned-unmanned teaming, and networked reconnaissance. The aim is to reduce cognitive burden and improve operational effectiveness.

BD8: Soldier & Small Unit Tactical Energy Tech (FY24 only) supported research into advanced power generation, energy storage, and intelligent power distribution to reduce Soldier load and extend mission duration. The ARL and C5ISR Center developed innovative materials and component technologies to support next-generation weapons, sensors, and communication devices.

BE3: Joint Service Combat Feeding Technology investigates nutritional solutions and food safety technologies to maximize Warfighter performance and reduce resupply requirements. The Army, as the DoD Executive Agent, coordinates research on nutrient stabilization, contaminant detection, and innovative ration technologies in collaboration with the Defense Health Agency and other partners.

BP9: Soldier Lethality Technologies (Congressional Adds) includes targeted applied research initiatives funded by congressional interest, such as advanced textiles, digital night vision, enhanced ballistic protection, synthetic biology for equipment sustainability, and cybersecurity training environments. These projects address specific capability gaps and emerging operational requirements.

BR9: Personnel & Airdrop Safety Technology supports research to improve airdrop accuracy, reduce parachutist injury, and enable precision delivery in austere environments. The Soldier Center investigates novel parachute materials, guidance and control strategies, and modeling tools to support both personnel and cargo airdrop operations. These efforts align with force projection and rapid deployment needs.