USMC Ground Combat/Supporting Arms Systems - Eng Dev

The Marine Corps Ground Combat/Supporting Arms System (PE 0604657M) is a key research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) program within the Department of the Navy's FY 2026 budget. This program is primarily focused on advancing the combat capabilities of the Fleet Marine Force by developing and transitioning new technologies and systems that enhance ground combat and supporting arms operations. The principal objective is to provide organic, loitering, beyond-line-of-sight precision strike capabilities to multiple echelons of Marine Corps units, thereby increasing their lethality and survivability in contested environments.

A central component of this program is the Organic Precision Fires (OPF) initiative, which has been identified as a Service Force Design priority for the Marine Corps. The OPF program aims to deliver precision strike effects and surveillance capabilities that allow Marines to engage enemy targets beyond the range of direct fire weapons, while minimizing collateral damage and reducing exposure to enemy fire. The program leverages extensive war-gaming, simulation, and real-world operational experience to validate its effectiveness and inform ongoing development.

Within the OPF initiative, the OPF-Light subprogram is the near-term focus and is designed to procure and qualify lightweight, man-packable loitering munitions for use by dismounted infantry squads and platoons. OPF-Light extends the reach of small units by enabling them to engage targets at the maximum range of their organic Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets. The system is intended to provide counter-defilade, anti-personnel, and anti-materiel capabilities, with primary target sets including enemy personnel, crew-served weapons, and command and control nodes.

In FY 2025, OPF-Light completed its first phase of developmental testing (DT1), which included safety, performance, and environmental assessments. The program also initiated the second phase of developmental testing (DT2), focusing on Insensitive Munition (IM) qualification, type qualification, and packaging, handling, storage, and transportation (PHS&T) requirements. Test asset munitions were procured from multiple vendors to support these activities, ensuring a competitive and robust evaluation process.

For FY 2026, the program's objectives include completing DT2, conducting operational testing (OT), and beginning the development and testing of OPF capability enhancements. These enhancements are aimed at improving target recognition and warhead performance, thereby increasing the overall lethality and effectiveness of the OPF-Light system. The transition from test munition procurement to capability enhancement development is reflected in the budget, with resources reallocated to support these new priorities.

The Combat Capability Development Transition line item under PE 0604657M encompasses all activities related to OPF-Light, including product development, engineering support, developmental and operational testing, and program management. The acquisition strategy for OPF-Light involves abbreviated acquisition processes, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts, and competitive procurement from non-developmental sources. Upon successful completion of testing and qualification, additional delivery orders will be issued to selected vendors.