UAS MODS

The UAS MODS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Modifications) program, as outlined in budget line item 9556A01002, is a key Army initiative focused on the procurement and modification of systems that enhance the operational effectiveness of unmanned aircraft platforms. The primary objective of this line item is to support the ongoing modernization and capability upgrades of the Army's unmanned aircraft systems, specifically through the integration and fielding of the One System Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT) Increment II and its associated components.

This program is managed under the Aircraft Procurement, Army appropriation and is categorized within the Modification of Aircraft budget activity. The One System Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT) Increment II is the central focus of the UAS MODS line item. The OSRVT Increment II consists of a base system equipped with the Remote Operations Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) 6 and 6S transceivers, a tablet computer, various antennas, Type I encryption, and Ku-Directional Antennas (KuDA) with an On-The-Move (OTM) capable variant. Additionally, it includes an extended range Mobile Directional Antenna System (MDAS).

The goal of these enhancements is to provide soldiers with the ability to receive full motion video and telemetry data from a wide range of unmanned platforms, including Gray Eagle, Shadow, Raven, Puma, Predator, and Reaper, as well as from crewed platforms such as Apache helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft equipped with Litening or Sniper pods. The OSRVT's software is designed to decode telemetry data from both manned and unmanned aircraft systems, provide control over Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) payloads, and support off-target calculations. These capabilities are intended to improve situational awareness, targeting accuracy, and operational flexibility for Army units.

In FY 2024, the fielding of the upgraded ROVER 6S variant began, which addresses new spectrum frequency requirements and ensures continued interoperability with evolving UAS and communications standards. Another significant component of the UAS MODS program is the Soldier Portable OSRVT (SPOT) variant. This variant is tailored for dismounted users and consists of a wearable tablet computer paired with a Tactical Net ROVER 2 Encrypted (TNR 2E) transceiver. The objective of the SPOT variant is to extend the reach of UAS video and data feeds to individual soldiers operating on foot, thereby enhancing their ability to make informed decisions in real time during tactical operations.

The UAS MODS line item also supports current and future operational requirements, including those for emerging UAS technologies such as Launched Effects, the Scalable Control Interface, and the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (FTUAS). By investing in these modifications, the Army aims to maintain technological relevance and operational superiority in the rapidly evolving domain of unmanned systems.

Funding for the UAS MODS program in FY 2026 was transferred from Budget Activity 2 to Budget Activity 6 to align with Agile Portfolio Management practices. This transfer is intended to streamline program oversight and ensure that investments are responsive to changing operational needs and technological advancements.

The justification for the UAS MODS line item is grounded in statutory requirements, specifically Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 110-181). The program supports not only the active and reserve components of the Armed Forces but also plays a role in homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities. This underscores the dual-use nature of the UAS MODS investments, which are designed to enhance both warfighting and domestic support capabilities.