UAS Payloads

The Expeditionary Support Equipment program, as detailed in Line Item 4409 of the FY 2026 Navy Procurement Budget for the Marine Corps, is focused on the procurement of specialized equipment to support expeditionary operations. This line item falls under the broader category of Communications and Electronics Equipment, specifically within the sub-activity for Other Support (Non-Tel). The primary objective of this program is to ensure that Marine Corps units are equipped with the necessary support equipment to maintain operational readiness and effectiveness during deployed and expeditionary missions.

The specific goals of the Expeditionary Support Equipment line item are to provide critical, mission-enabling capabilities that enhance the ability of Marine Corps forces to operate in austere, forward-deployed environments. This includes the procurement of equipment that supports command and control, sustainment, and survivability for expeditionary forces. The equipment procured under this line item is intended to be service-ready, as indicated by the A readiness code, ensuring that it can be rapidly fielded to meet urgent operational requirements.

The program is managed by the United States Marine Corps, with oversight and funding provided through the Department of the Navy. The justification for this investment is based on the need to maintain a high level of operational flexibility and responsiveness in support of national defense objectives.

Expeditionary support equipment is essential for enabling Marines to establish and sustain forward operating bases, conduct distributed operations, and respond to emerging threats in diverse environments. The budget allocates funding for the procurement of classified expeditionary support equipment. The details of the specific items and quantities procured are classified in accordance with Executive Order 13526, Section 1.4(a), and are submitted annually to Congress in a classified budget justification book. This classification ensures that sensitive information related to the capabilities and deployment of Marine Corps forces is protected.

The Expeditionary Support Equipment line item does not include advance procurement, initial spares, or flyaway unit costs in the unclassified documentation. The focus is solely on the acquisition of equipment necessary to support expeditionary operations, with all relevant procurement activities consolidated under this line item. No additional program elements or major defense acquisition programs (MDAP/MAIS) are associated with this budget request.