US Army seeks nearly $900 million to accelerate development and acquisition of CUAS capabilities
A soldier uses a handheld CUAS system during training in Colorado. (Photo: US Army)
The branch plans to speed up the building and procurement of kinetic and non-kinetic systems for fixed, semi-fixed and on-the-move operations.
The US Army has proposed a nearly $900 million investment in counter-UAS capabilities in FY2026, aiming to accelerate the procurement and fielding of this type of technology. According to the service’s justification documents, advancing the deployment of CUAS solutions is a “priority line of effort” for the next fiscal year.
The resources will cover efforts related to kinetic and non-kinetic systems, including fixed, semi-fixed, mounted, dismounted and handheld devices, as well as to the use of directed energy, fire control, laser and EW capabilities.
“We are testing all of those systems, and we need to scale them,” the branch’s
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Why bridging the gap between military and COTS systems is key to seamless defence comms (Studio)]()
Why bridging the gap between military and COTS systems is key to seamless defence comms (Studio)
Technology that enables armed forces to leverage existing network infrastructure can be a game-changer in many combat scenarios.
-
![Europe’s future tank hits targets as MARTE programme gains momentum]()
Europe’s future tank hits targets as MARTE programme gains momentum
An effort to develop a new European main battle tank has passed several milestones on the road to a Preliminary Design Review which is expected within two years.
-
![UK MoD clears British Army’s Ajax saying “no safety concerns when operated properly”]()
UK MoD clears British Army’s Ajax saying “no safety concerns when operated properly”
The British Army’s Ajax armoured personnel carrier has a chequered history but hopes were high when Initial Operating Capability was declared last year. More problems saw operations suspended but the MoD reports it has identified the problems and short- and medium-term solutions.
-
![Rheinmetall Nordic’s Ragnarok mortar upgrade shows strong integration potential]()
Rheinmetall Nordic’s Ragnarok mortar upgrade shows strong integration potential
The Ragnarok Mortar Mission Module has demonstrated its ability to quickly switch platforms, presenting scope for it to be employed for multiple requirements.
-
![Land Rover retirement schedule puts pressure on British Army vehicle plans]()
Land Rover retirement schedule puts pressure on British Army vehicle plans
The British Army’s plans to replace thousands of vehicles have been troubled with resets, delays and change. It is possible, however, that genuine progress is being achieved on two of the three segments in the programme.
-
![Could an outdated US Army organic industrial base threaten US readiness?]()
Could an outdated US Army organic industrial base threaten US readiness?
The US Army’s organic industrial base still uses World War II production methods and technologies, leading to delays and cost overruns and limiting its ability to produce critical ammunition and maintain its ground fleet in operation.
