Spectrum Army SUAS

The Spectrum Army SUAS program, detailed in Line Item 9990A19900 of the Department of Defense (DoD) FY 2026 Army budget, focuses on the procurement and integration of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) within the Army's operational spectrum. Managed by the Army's Spectrum office rather than the Aviation Program Budget request, this program emphasizes spectrum management and integration for SUAS capabilities. Its primary objective is to ensure that Army SUAS platforms can operate effectively within congested and contested electromagnetic environments.

The goals of the Spectrum Army SUAS line item center on enhancing the Army's ability to deploy, control, and communicate with SUAS assets across the full range of military operations. This includes procuring hardware and software solutions that enable SUAS to function reliably while minimizing interference with other spectrum-dependent systems. The program aims to address both current and emerging threats to spectrum access, which is critical for the command and control of unmanned systems in multi-domain operations.

The program supports the acquisition of SUAS platforms and associated spectrum management tools that comply with Department of Defense and Army spectrum allocation policies. It seeks to ensure that SUAS communications are secure, resilient, and adaptable to dynamic operational requirements. Advanced spectrum monitoring and deconfliction technologies are also integrated, which are necessary for maintaining operational effectiveness in environments where adversaries may attempt to jam or disrupt Army communications.

Another key objective is to provide the Army with the flexibility to rapidly field and scale SUAS capabilities as mission requirements evolve. This involves not only procuring new SUAS platforms but also upgrading and sustaining existing systems to meet evolving spectrum standards and interoperability requirements. The program is designed to support a range of Army units, from tactical to strategic levels, ensuring that SUAS assets can be effectively employed across diverse operational contexts.

Justification for this line item is rooted in the increasing reliance on unmanned systems for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and other mission sets. As adversaries develop more sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities, the Army's ability to maintain assured access to the electromagnetic spectrum becomes a critical enabler for SUAS operations. The Spectrum Army SUAS program addresses this need by investing in technologies and processes that protect and optimize spectrum use for Army unmanned assets.

Funding for the Spectrum Army SUAS line item in the FY 2026 budget reflects a continued commitment to sustaining and advancing the Army's SUAS spectrum capabilities. The allocation may indicate a transition from initial procurement and fielding to sustainment, integration, and incremental upgrades.