Special Equipment for Test and Evaluation

The Special Equipment for Test and Evaluation program is a critical component of the Army's modernization and readiness strategy, supporting the procurement of specialized instrumentation and threat simulation assets for developmental and operational testing. The overarching goal of this budget line is to ensure that Army Modernization Priority Programs are rigorously evaluated under realistic conditions, enabling informed decisions about fielding new capabilities. The program is managed under the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) and supports multiple test directorates and centers, including facilities at Fort Cavazos, Fort Sill, Fort Liberty, Fort Huachuca, Aberdeen, Redstone, White Sands, and Yuma.

Optics Modernization is a major subprogram within this line item, supporting the procurement of Close-In Optical Tracking Systems. These systems are intended for deployment at White Sands Test Center, Yuma Test Center, and Aberdeen Test Center, supporting developmental testing for Long Range Precision Fires and Hypersonic Missile programs. The objective is to replace aging optical tracking equipment with advanced systems that feature multi-waveband optics and sensors, enabling simultaneous visible and infrared imaging. The new systems are designed for remote operation, improved weatherization, and enhanced data fusion, which increases efficiency and robustness for test operations.

The Optics Modernization initiative also includes the acquisition of medium-sized Fly-Out Optical Tracking Systems, which accommodate larger payloads for long-range imaging requirements. These systems are essential for supporting Army Warfighting Experiments and Force Development Testing and Experimentation, as well as cross-functional teams focused on Next Generation Combat Vehicle, Future Vertical Lift, and Air & Missile Defense. The program leverages prior development funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense's Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program, ensuring cost-effective modernization and alignment with joint functional concepts such as Force Application, Protection, Focused Logistics, Battlespace Awareness, and Command and Control.

Threat Systems is the second major subprogram, supporting the procurement of multiple threat simulation assets. These include Electronic Warfare systems, Command, Control, and Communications equipment, and Advanced Jamming suites. The primary objective is to create a dense, realistic radio frequency environment for testing Army systems against near-peer adversary capabilities. The program procures validated jammers with advanced antennas, radar emitters across VHF, UHF, Ku, and Ka bands, and sensor systems employing acoustic, seismic, and electro-optical/infrared technologies. These assets are vital for evaluating network-centric threat scenarios and supporting the Army's digital battlefield data collection and analysis.

The Threat Systems program also supports closed-loop radar threat systems for testing aerial platforms such as Future Vertical Lift. Funding is used to procure Time Difference of Arrival and Angle of Arrival direction finding systems, advanced ground and aerial sensor systems, and low-power ground surveillance systems. These capabilities are aligned with ATEC threat priorities and are required to maintain realism in operational testing environments. The program also enables synergies between training and testing, promoting integration, cyber security, and reuse of common assets in accordance with Army Digital Engineering and Software Modernization Strategies.

Both Optics Modernization and Threat Systems are dual-purposed to support Army training as needed, ensuring that equipment investments benefit both operational readiness and force development. The procurement history indicates partnerships with industry leaders, with contracts managed through Army Contracting Command locations. Unit costs and quantities vary year-to-year based on specific test requirements, intelligence estimates, and technology refresh cycles, reflecting the dynamic nature of threat environments and modernization needs.