Unmanned ISR

The Unmanned ISR program, managed by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) under Program Element (PE) 1160434BB, is a key component of the Military Intelligence Program (MIP). Its primary goal is to rapidly develop and deploy advanced unmanned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities tailored for Special Operations Forces (SOF). The program focuses on leveraging non-traditional ISR methods to support SOF in locating, tracking, and targeting high-value, time-sensitive threats while minimizing risk to personnel. This line item supports research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities to address evolving operational requirements in dynamic and challenging environments.

The principal project within this program element aims to identify, develop, integrate, and test SOF-peculiar mission kits, payloads, and enhancements for Group 1 through Group 4 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The project seeks to improve imagery intelligence, electronic warfare capabilities, and data management, while reducing the size, weight, and power requirements of ISR systems. It also provides a mechanism for SOF to evaluate emerging sensor technologies in combat-like conditions, ensuring that new capabilities meet operational needs before wider fielding.

A major focus area is the development, integration, and testing of advanced mission kits for the MQ-1C platform. Specific goals include enhancing communications and networking, integrating new sensors and payloads, and improving weapons capabilities. Efforts are directed toward completing sensor pod testing, integrating battle management systems, and further developing weapon launchers and situational awareness payloads. The MQ-1C program is designated as a Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) at Milestone C, emphasizing its importance in providing SOF with extended-range ISR and strike capabilities in diverse operational theaters.

Another significant line within the Unmanned ISR program seeks to provide SOF with a family of relatively low-cost, long-endurance unmanned aircraft for ISR missions in both austere and permissive environments, particularly supporting irregular warfare operations. The program is structured to develop and integrate SOF-peculiar sensors, upgrade communications systems, and begin payload enhancements to enable air-launched effects (ALE) capabilities. The focus is on increasing combat fielding of enhanced platforms, with a shift toward upgrading existing platforms rather than developing next-generation systems, in response to changing USSOCOM priorities.

The acquisition strategy for both MQ-1C and long-endurance aircraft emphasizes rapid prototyping, technology maturation, and leveraging existing service contracts where possible. For MQ-1C, the approach includes a mix of cost-type and fixed-price contracts, focusing on integrating SOF-peculiar mission kits and supporting global SOF operations. The long-endurance aircraft program utilizes a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract and a Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for ISR services, reflecting a flexible approach to meet evolving mission requirements.

Funding adjustments reflect a realignment of resources to higher-priority USSOCOM initiatives and the completion of certain development milestones, such as sensor pod testing and battle management system integration. Resources are shifted to operations and maintenance for program support, with additional adjustments due to completed testing and a redirection of funds to focus on enhancing existing platforms.