DARPA’s MFP to counter small UAS
DARPA has awarded Phase 1 agreements for its Mobile Force Protection (MFP) programme to three teams led by Dynetics, Saab and SRC, the agency announced on 21 August.
The MFP programme aims to develop real-time protection for ground and maritime convoys by advancing technology to quickly neutralise hostile small UAS.
Hostile, small UAS are a challenge of increasing concern for the US military. Countering the threat they pose to land and sea convoys in real time requires a range of technology advances to enable their rapid detection, identification, tracking, and neutralization. MFP aims to achieve these goals by developing scalable, modular and affordable approaches that could be deployed within the next three to four years and evolve with advances in threats, tactics, and technology.
The three teams will work to integrate novel ideas for advanced sensors and neutralisation approaches into a common framework emphasizing safety for civilian bystanders, ease of operation, and low size, weight, power, and cost. The goal is a technology demonstration system that could by integrated with current tactical ground vehicles and maritime vessels.
To speed development DARPA has selected the US Army’s Maneuver Aviation and Fires Integration Application (MAFIA) service-oriented architecture as the common framework for the data-fusion engine, decision-aid algorithms, and user interface, as well as the backbone for the teams’ command and control software.
MAFIA is already in the field supporting multiple operating systems and has the required capability to enable an envisioned plug-and-play system capable of integrating new sensors and emerging technologies.
The MFP programme will have three phases, with the timeline currently aiming for a technology demonstration system to show initial functionality at the end of phase one and progressively improve, culminating in a full-capability demonstration on a moving vehicle or vessel by the end of phase three.
At the conclusion of each open-air demonstration, DARPA will offer the military and government agencies the opportunity to fund extended field evaluations, with the goal of developing the interim versions and the final prototype system to meet the needs of a broad number of potential US government and commercial users.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement]()
Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement
The Mobile Tactical Cannon is to replace the US Army’s M777 towed howitzers which could result in the procurement of almost 500 systems at an estimated $3.59 billion.
-
![US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production]()
US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is spending billions of dollars to accelerate missile production to meet demands from the war against Iran and requirements in Ukraine. Manufacture of SM-3 and PAC-3 interceptors is being ramped up, alongside a $22.9 billion commitment to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
-
![Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase]()
Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase
Rheinmetall has begun initial firing trials of a new 155mm/60-calibre artillery ordnance that could deliver up to 30% greater range than its existing 155mm/52-calibre system, as production of the current gun expands across Germany and the UK.
-
![Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum]()
Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum
As Germany prepares its €25 billion order under the Arminius framework – the biggest Boxer procurement to date – the platform could become an increasingly powerful contender in European competitions.
-
![Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028]()
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
-
![British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward]()
British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward
The UK Ministry of Defence has proposed a selection date of May 2027 for the Land Rover replacement requirement, with deliveries expected through to 2036. Next month’s DVD exhibition will be a key shop window for bidders.
