# MC Ground Cmbt Spt Arms Sys — Program Element 0206623M

**Program element:** 0206623M  
**Component:** U.S. Navy  
**Appropriation:** 1319 — RDT&E, Navy  
**Budget Activity:** 7 — Operational System Development  
**Vintage:** President's Budget PB2027  
**Canonical URL:** https://hitchintel.com/programs/0206623M

## Summary

U.S. Navy requests $79.0M in FY2027. In the FY2027 defense authorization, the House funded it in full; the Senate funded it in full; House appropriators funded it in full. MCSC leads the industry work.

## Funding profile

| Fiscal Year | Estimate Type | Amount ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | Actual | 69.0 |
| FY2026 | Enacted | 72.6 |
| FY2027 | Request | 79.0 |
| FY2028 | Outyear | 106.1 |
| FY2029 | Outyear | 99.4 |
| FY2030 | Outyear | 50.4 |
| FY2031 | Outyear | 51.6 |

> Estimate types are not summed — the profile mixes actuals, enacted law, the request, and outyear projections.

## Congressional marks (FY2027)

| Stage | Marked ($M) | Change ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| Request | 79.0 | — |
| House NDAA (HASC) | 79.0 | +0.0 |
| Senate NDAA (SASC) | 79.0 | +0.0 |
| House Approps (HAC-D) | 79.0 | +0.0 |

> FY2027 NDAA authorization marks, as of 2026-07-27. Not appropriations or final law.

## Projects (15)

| Project | Title | FY2025 actual | FY2026 enacted | FY2027 request | Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2503 | Initial Issue | 10.3 | 4.8 | 29.9 | +523% |
| 2530 | Unmanned Expeditionary Systems | 16.6 | 24.7 | 14.9 | −40% |
| 1901 | MC Grnd Wpnry Prod Improvement | 5.4 | 5.9 | 7.4 | +25% |
| 4002 | Family of Raid Reconnaissance | 1.5 | 1.5 | 5.8 | +291% |
| 2315 | Training Devices/Simulators | 15.1 | 14.0 | 5.7 | −59% |
| 2513 | Body Armor | 4.6 | 3.9 | 4.0 | +2% |
| 3774 | Marine Corps Ammo | 3.6 | 3.2 | 3.0 | −4% |
| 3098 | Fire Support System | 3.2 | 3.6 | 2.2 | −40% |
| 2237 | Amphibious Vehicle Test | 2.6 | 2.5 | 2.1 | −15% |
| 1555 | Lt Armored Vehicle Prog | 2.7 | 3.2 | 2.0 | −37% |
| 2086 | Soldier/Marine Enhancement | 2.2 | 2.1 | 1.4 | −35% |
| 2928 | Exp Indirect Fire Gen Supt Wpn Sys | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 | −17% |
| 3775 | Family of Internally Transportable Vehicles (FITV) | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.2 | −16% |
| 2112 | Lightweight 155mm Howitzer | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | −100% |
| 9999 | Congressional Adds | 0.0 | 2.4 | 0.0 | −100% |

> Projects are the summable leaves: the program element total is their sum, never added to it.

### Project 2503 — Initial Issue

This funding provides research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) on low cost items with an emphasis on Non-Developmental Items/Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (NDI/COTS) available items. Much of the RDT&E is conducted in coordination/concert with other services and joint organizations, and in consideration of RDT&E efforts being pursued by the other Services. Items approved for procurement will transition into Operation and Maintenance Marine Corps accounts for Marine Corps Uniforms, Cold Weather Mountaineering, and Load Bearing and Pack Systems, Family of Shelters, Combat Field Feeding Systems, and Family of Field Medical Equipment. Family of Field Medical Equipment items approved for procurement will also transition to the Procurement, Marine Corps account. The benefits will be reduced logistics, less weight, improved combat effectiveness, better echelon I and II care for Marines, improved individual and unit protection, expeditionary feeding platforms, tactical mobility, calibration and maintenance, etc. The employment of state-of-the-art equipment will ensure Marines are equipped and supported with the best items that technology can offer. Infantry Clothing, Equipment, and Armor includes Marine Corps Uniforms; Cold Weather and Mountaineering; Load Bearing and Pack Systems: and Individual Warfighting Equipment. Load Bearing and Pack Systems now includes the waterproof bag efforts previously included under Individual Warfighting Equipment. The continual research development and testing of technological advancements leads to performance enhancements, upgrades and modifications to legacy systems and new developments. Funding for this capability area leverages other Services' and governmental partners' efforts to maximize returns on investment and promote coordination and cooperation for same or similar requirements and capabilities. The objective is to equip individual Marines with uniforms and combat equipment to maximize effectiveness in every environment across the full range of military operations and includes support to the basic recruit issue seabag. The Family of Field Medical Equipment (FFME) focus is to provide state-of-the-art medical equipment and emerging medical technology that will improve the clinical outcomes for casualties.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** MCSC (2.4, 8.1%), USA NSRDEC (0.6, 2.1%), DHA (0.5, 1.7%), NHRC (0.3, 1.0%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calibration and Maintenance Program (CAMP) | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Family of Combat Field Feeding (FCFFS) | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Family of Expeditionary Fuel Systems (FEFS) | 6.5 | 1.6 | 18.8 |
| Family of Expeditionary Waters Systems (FEWS) | 0.5 | 0.0 | 3.5 |
| Family of Field Medical Equipment (FFME) | 1.6 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Family of Shelters and Shelter Equipment (FSSE) | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Load Bearing and Pack Systems (LBPS) | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| Marine Corps Uniforms (MCU) | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.6 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 2530 — Unmanned Expeditionary Systems

Prior to FY 2024, Unmanned Expeditionary Systems (UES) was funded in Project 4002, Family of Rapid Reconnaissance. UES consists of the Unmanned Logistics Systems-Air (ULS- A) Family of Systems, a Marine Corps Logistics Modernization initiative. ULS-A provides Combat Arms and Logistics Commanders with an organic aerial delivery option, which diversifies distribution options while reducing risk to manned aircraft and ground convoy operations. ULS-A supports the full range of military missions with relevant lift capacity and simple-to-operate autonomous systems. ULS-A consists of two different air vehicle classes which will share common autonomy and architecture characteristics. ULS-A Small, or Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS), provides front-line Combat Arms and Logistics Commanders with an aerial distribution option capable of deliveries of up to 120 pounds at a range of 12 kilometers. ULS-A Medium, or Medium Aerial Resupply Vehicle-Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL), will provide Logistics Commanders with an organic lift capacity of at least 1,300 pounds for a range of 100 nautical miles. MARV-EL has awarded two Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) in 2Q FY 2026 for the development, test, and evaluation of the MARV-EL system under a Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) program. FY 2027 continues to fund MARV-EL Increment 2 system development, test, and evaluation efforts that will address critical capability gaps identified by combatant commanders' and maintain America's technological edge against rapidly advancing peer competitors.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** SIKORSKY (4.6, 31%), NEAR EARTH AUTONOMY (4.6, 31%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Development | 10.5 | 17.6 | 10.0 |
| Support | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.2 |
| Test and Evaluation | 4.8 | 4.8 | 3.2 |
| Management Services | 0.0 | 0.6 | 0.5 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1901 — MC Grnd Wpnry Prod Improvement

This project develops joint and Marine Corps unique improvements to infantry weapons technology, non-lethal systems technology, improvements for Night Vision Equipment, Rifle Combat Optics, Family of Individual Optics, and monitors national and international weapons developments.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** MCSC-FIWS (0.7, 8.8%), SMDC (0.6, 8.1%), MCSC (0.4, 5.3%), DLA-EOSF Combat Optics (0.2, 2.3%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company and Battalion Mortars (CBM) | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Combat Optics | 3.5 | 3.7 | 3.5 |
| Family of Infantry Weapons Systems (FIWS) | 1.8 | 2.0 | 3.7 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 4002 — Family of Raid Reconnaissance

Project supports multiple airborne/parachuting and amphibious reconnaissance related programs focusing on immediate capability enhancements for numerous insertion and personnel equipment shortfalls currently within Marine Reconnaissance and Marine Special Operations Command. These enhancements will improve airborne and amphibious capability, equipment and items for specialized direct action missions and reconnaissance operations.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** MCSC (2.6, 45%), CCD (0.3, 5.4%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airborne Reconnaissance Equipment (ARE) | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 |
| Amphibious Reconnaissance Capability (ARC) | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Aerial Delivery (AD) | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.7 |
| Family of Organic Littoral Mobility and Distribution Systems (FOLMDS) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.0 |
| Helicopter Support Team Kit | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 2315 — Training Devices/Simulators

This Program Element (PE) delivers the advanced Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training architecture essential for realizing the concepts of Force Design. It directly funds the development of a unified training environment that immerses Marines from entry-level to command staff in the complex, multi-domain battlefields of today and tomorrow. By seamlessly integrating experimentation with operational training, this PE closes the critical gap between concept and combat-ready application, enabling units to rehearse and validate tactics in a high-fidelity, synthetic environment. Investment in this PE develops and modernizes a suite of foundational training systems, including Training Simulation Support (TSS), Force on Force Training Systems (FoFTS), Ranges and Training Area Management (RTAM), Immersive Training Range Support (ITRS), Live, Virtual, Constructive - Training Environment (LVC-TE), Deployable Virtual Training Environment (DVTE), Combat Vehicle Training System (CVTS), Combat Convoy Simulator (CCS), Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT), and the USMC Operator Driving Simulator (ODS). As the Marine Corps adapts, this PE will ensure our training systems are fully interoperable with operational warfighting equipment. This investment is critical for enhancing mission planning, accelerating concept evaluation, and forging a more lethal, globally responsive Fleet Marine Force prepared to secure decisive outcomes.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** ACC-Orlando (1.3, 22%), DLA SOE (0.6, 11%), DTS (0.0, 0.7%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training Simulation Support (TSS) | 7.0 | 2.3 | 0.0 |
| Force on Force Training Systems (FoFTS) | 2.7 | 2.9 | 2.9 |
| Ranges and Training Area Management (RTAM) | 3.5 | 5.5 | 2.6 |
| Immersive Training Range Support (ITRS) | 0.5 | 3.2 | 0.2 |
| USMC Operator Driving Simulator (USMC ODS) | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Deployable Virtual Training Environment (DVTE) | 1.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 2513 — Body Armor

Ballistic Protection Systems (BPS) provides the most technologically advanced protection at the lightest weight available in the world today. It provides the critical ballistic protective systems that save lives, reduce the severity of combat injuries, and increase combat effectiveness by keeping more Marines in the fight. Major BPS programs include: Plate Carrier Generation III (PC Gen III); Lightweight Plates (LWP); Armor Inspection Systems (AIS); Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH); Improved Ballistic Eyewear (IBE); Integrated Helmet System (IHS) and Hearing Protection. The major focus areas of all BPS programs are adapting ballistic protective systems to the constantly changing threat environment and leveraging emerging technologies to lighten the load and increase the mobility of each Marine.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** MCSC (0.5, 13%), ATC (0.4, 9.9%), NCTRF (0.1, 2.5%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballistic Protection Systems | 4.6 | 3.9 | 4.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 3774 — Marine Corps Ammo

The Ammunition Life Cycle Management (ALCM) program acts as a critical force multiplier, directly enhancing the capabilities of our warfighters. By developing advanced, lightweight packaging, ALCM "lightens the load," significantly boosting soldier mobility, endurance, and overall combat effectiveness. Furthermore, the program guarantees superior performance by proactively modifying ammunition systems for enhanced reliability. This ensures that every round is dependable which is fundamental to mission success and the safety of the service members. Through total life cycle management, ALCM ensures our forces maintain a deep and reliable magazine of top-performing munitions. The Component and Ground Ammunition (CGA) project equips the Marine Corps with the most lethal and effective ground ammunition available. By rapidly fielding product improvements, CGA closes critical capability gaps and ensures our forces can defeat emerging threats. Every investment is directly tied to the validated needs of the warfighter on the battlefield.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ammunition Life Cycle Management | 3.0 | 2.6 | 3.0 |
| Conventional Ground Ammunition | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 3098 — Fire Support System

Project 3098 Fire Support System funds the development of critical United States Marine Corps (USMC) key efforts: fire support coordination, targeting, and digital interoperability systems required for the employment of air and ground fires. Fire Support Systems develop and integrate a digital networked sensor to shooter kill chain supporting the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Key efforts included are: The Fire Support Mod Line (FSML) is a set of Marine Corps efforts to address critical operational and logistics deficiencies in existing, fielded fire support/weapons systems, and equipment. FSML provides technical refresh and development of target acquisition, artillery survey, meteorological systems, and fire direction control. Provides execution of product improvements/modifications and upgrades to system hardware and software for the Marine Artillery Survey Set (MASS), Modeled Meteorological Information Manager (MMIM), Global Positioning System Survey Replacement (GPS-S), Improved Position Azimuth Determining System (IPADS), and the IPADS replacement system, known as the Location Azimuth Determining System (LADS). Funding is also used for upgrades, engineering change proposals (ECPs), and modifications for fire control systems which fall within Fire Support Systems for the Marine Corps. The Family of Artillery Munitions (FAM) seeks to provide the warfighter with the most state of the art Global Positioning System (GPS) guided and ballistic 155mm projectiles. In conjunction with the Army, the Marine Corps is evaluating new munitions that are effective against individual area targets dispersed over a defined area, targets whose precise locations are not known, time-sensitive or moving targets, and massed formations of enemy forces. Funding is used to develop and mature these projectiles for the Marine Corps and includes conducting safety and engineering analysis as well as ship compatibility studies. The Common Laser Range Finder (CLRF) is an association of targeting systems that provide handheld, lightweight, man portable devices supporting the employment of air and surface fires. They provide foot mobile users the ability to locate, identify, mark, and designate targets in both day and night conditions for engagement by fire support and weapons platforms.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** MCSC (0.3, 15%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Support Mods (FSM) | 2.0 | 2.6 | 1.3 |
| Family of Artillery Munitions (FAM) | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.3 |
| Common Laser Range Finder (CLRF) | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.5 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 2237 — Amphibious Vehicle Test

The Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch (AVTB) mission is to plan, execute, analyze, and report developmental, rapid prototyping, and integrated test and evaluation events to characterize the performance of amphibious and ground combat vehicle systems, robotic and autonomous systems, and other platforms that operate in the littorals to enable informed acquisition decisions. AVTB is responsible for the operation and management of the Department of Wars' (DoW) only test center specializing in the developmental test and evaluation of the Marine Corps' present and future amphibious combat platforms. AVTB utilizes a unique structure of Marines, Civilians, and Contractor support staff to provide year-round test and evaluation and support to Program Executive Office Land Systems, Marine Corps Systems Command, the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, the Office of Naval Research, the Defense Innovation Unit, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Naval Information Warfare Centers, the DoW, and its agencies. AVTB's structure, organic and contracted capabilities, test procedures and practices, special instrumentation, and location make it uniquely postured to link Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting with Littoral expertise. AVTB is a division of the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA) Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory (STRL) and supports MCTSSA's STRL requirements by manufacturing and fabricating hardware and instrumentation that support technology experimentation, demonstration, and test and evaluation.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** MCTSSA Camp Pend (0.9, 40%), MCTSSA Camp Pendleton (0.6, 28%), RCO Camp Pendleton (0.1, 3.1%), AVTB (0.1, 3.0%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contracts and Test and Evaluation Support Assets | 2.6 | 2.5 | 2.1 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1555 — Lt Armored Vehicle Prog

The Family of Light Armored Vehicles (FOLAV) consists of six fielded Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) configurations and one communications/intelligence-configured asset on an LAV chassis. The FOLAV provides a logistically self-contained, highly mobile, and lethal combined arms combat system to the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). The LAV Product Improvement Program (PIP) funds modification activities and the development and testing of modifications. These programs will ensure that the FOLAV is capable of conducting its assigned missions by enhancing lethality, survivability, reliability, availability, and maintainability in addition to reducing operations and support costs. FY 2027 funds continued support to the fielded LAV fleet and future Engineering Change Proposals. RDTE funding is our primary mechanism to proactively address critical challenges identified by the warfighter. It enables us to overcome equipment obsolescence, implement performance-enhancing upgrades, mitigate safety risks, and resolve other unforeseen issues that emerge during operations.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** TACOM (0.5, 23%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAV MODIFICATIONS | 2.7 | 3.2 | 2.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 2086 — Soldier/Marine Enhancement

Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad (MERS) mission is to manage the infantry squad, "squad as a system", by conducting human systems integration, systems engineering, human factors, and modernization efforts across all the products that are worn, carried, and consumed by the rifle squad and integration of the squad in mobility platforms. The Marine Corps' Force Design reorganizes personnel and equipment across all infantry battalions injecting new capabilities in order to combat a near peer competitor and includes experimentation with Fleet Marine Force units. Experimentation will require an increased level of effort to influence integration and synergy of capabilities. Transition to the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) structure seeking to field 80% solutions faster will require increased efforts to ensure the human systems integration requirements are optimized for mission performance. Physical integration, capability analysis, modeling and simulation, ergonomics, and usability assessments are facilitated by this program in working with the various program managers and project officers in the development of their unique items that contribute to the squads' overall capabilities. MERS operates and manages the Gruntworks Squad Integration Facility in order to meet mission requirements to support integration and assessments of equipment. Human Systems Integration and Anthropometry are two key areas of expertise. MERS is engaging industry and academia in search of innovative technologies that can meet Force Design infantry capability initiatives. Mobility and power management are fundamental considerations in the insertion or modernization of any squad equipment. MERS works with Joint and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) soldier modernization programs to harvest new technologies to increase the capability of the rifle squad. The program also ensures the integration of the rifle squad into the various mobility platforms currently in service and being developed to ensure a Marine with properly fitting equipment can operate effectively. This program is essential to ensure the combined synergistic equipment effects enhance the war-fighting functions of the Marine rifle squad towards the strategic Marine Corps warfighting vision for the future.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** MCSC (1.0, 72%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad (MERS) | 2.2 | 2.1 | 1.4 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 2928 — Exp Indirect Fire Gen Supt Wpn Sys

Expeditionary Indirect Fires provides the Ground Combat Element (GCE) systems needed to engage multiple enemy threats from land and sea. High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) which is a C-130 transportable, wheeled, indirect fire, rocket/missile system capable of firing all rockets and missiles in the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Family of Munitions (MFOM). The system includes one launcher, two Re-Supply Systems, and the MFOM. HIMARS provides the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with 24-hour ground-based, responsive General Support/General Support Reinforcing (GS/GSR) indirect fires which accurately engage targets at long range (70+km), with high volumes of lethal fire under all weather conditions throughout all phases of combat operations ashore, to include irregular warfare, distributed operations and sea control. Development provides for the modernization and obsolescence mitigation of the HIMARS in order to provide improved operational capabilities. The HIMARS batteries have previously used old Reduced Range Practice Rocket (RRPRs) motors to refurbish as new training rounds. Due to limited quantities available, the Army is developing a new practice rocket, Joint Reduced Range Rocket (JR3) and began testing in FY 2025. The Marine Corps is conducting technical reviews of Army JR3 test data in FY 2025. The Marine Corps will subsequently conduct Marine Corps specific analysis and testing of proposed Army Materiel Solution.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIMARS Expeditionary & Naval Integration Capabilities | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 3775 — Family of Internally Transportable Vehicles (FITV)

The Family of Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicles (FULTV), which consists of the Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) and its replacement the Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV), provides operational capabilities for infantry logistics, integrating systems, long-range surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in support of distributed heliborne operations. The lightweight vehicles provide units with increased logistics support while reducing the combat load burden on the individual Marine, as well as providing casualty evacuation for wounded Marines. The vehicles are transportable in the MV-22/CV-22 tilt rotary wing aircraft, CH-53E/ CH-53K rotary wings aircraft, and all fixed wing aircrafts. The FULTV mitigates the infantry units, reconnaissance battalions, and wing support squadrons mobility capability gaps, with the ability to operate in remote regions where currently fielded ground mobility platforms may be unsuitable due to size, weight, and transportability concerns. The FULTV is a reliable, non-developmental vehicle that supports the Fleet Marine Forces by providing infantry and reconnaissance battalions with a reliable, easily maintained, vehicle that supports a range of military operations (ROMO) including distributed operations (DO), littoral operations in a contested environment (LOCE), expeditionary advanced based operations (EABO), and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). The FULTV platforms host essential Force Design enabling capabilities. The ULTV also includes a ULTV-High-Power variant which provides exportable electrical power generation in support of the requirements for integrating systems.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family of Ultra-light Tactical Vehicles (ULTV) Test and Evaluation | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.2 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 2112 — Lightweight 155mm Howitzer

LW155 (also known as the M777A2 howitzer) provides all weather, day/night direct, reinforcing, and general support fires to maneuver forces as well as direct support artillery. It is a joint program between the Marine Corps and Army, which is additionally supporting various foreign military purchases of the weapon system. The M777A2 howitzer was first fielded by the Marine Corps in April 2005 and completed fielding in April 2013. This budget item supports system updates to maintain and increase performance and lethality. The M777A2 howitzer is the prominent weapon of the Marine indirect fires triad and currently the only cannon in the Service. In FY 2026, the program completed improving the Digital Fire Control System (DFCS) of the M777A2 while allowing for operation in a Global Positioning System (GPS) denied/challenged environment.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight 155mm Howitzer Product Improvements | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 9999 — Congressional Adds

The Cold Weather Mountaineering (CWM) program enhances Marine combat effectiveness and survivability in harsh environments. Funded by Congressional appropriations, our mission is to rapidly identify, test, and evaluate state-of-the-art commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and non-developmental items (NDI). By collaborating with joint and other service partners, we ensure the adoption of low-cost, high-performance solutions. Successful items are transitioned to Marine Corps operational accounts, directly resulting in a lighter, more mobile, and better-protected force equipped with the best technology available.

## Where the FY2027 request goes

| Category | Share | $M |
|---|---|---|
| Industry primes | 31% | 24.4 |
| Government labs & warfare centers | 25% | 19.8 |
| Other / unspecified | 44% | 34.9 |

**Top named industry performers:** MCSC ($7.2M, 9.1%), SIKORSKY ($4.6M, 5.8%), NEAR EARTH AUTONOMY ($4.6M, 5.8%).

> R-3 exhibit contract funding, not USAspending obligations.

## Mission & acquisition strategy

This funding provides research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) on low cost items with an emphasis on Non-Developmental Items/Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (NDI/COTS) available items. Much of the RDT&E is conducted in coordination/concert with other services and joint organizations, and in consideration of RDT&E efforts being pursued by the other Services. Items approved for procurement will transition into Operation and Maintenance Marine Corps accounts for Marine Corps Uniforms, Cold Weather Mountaineering, and Load Bearing and Pack Systems, Family of Shelters, Combat Field Feeding Systems, and Family of Field Medical Equipment.

Cold Weather and Mountaineering, Load Bearing and Pack Systems, Individual Warfighting Equipment, Marine Corps Uniforms: Items utilize various acquisition strategies. These programs represent a level of effort that leverage heavily on current developments and technology in commercial industry. As a result, the R&D phase is relatively short which consists of test and evaluation efforts on a continuous basis to maintain the latest technological advances to lighten the load and increase force protection. Contracting is performed by either Marine Corps Systems Command, the Naval Research Laboratory, or the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center via Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contracts.

## Related program elements

- [0305207F — RC-135 Systems](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0305207F) (Air Force)
- [1160431BB — Warrior Systems](https://hitchintel.com/programs/1160431BB) (Defense-Wide)
- [0605051A — Aircraft Survivability Development](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0605051A) (Army)
- [0604713A — Combat Feeding, Clothing, and Equipment](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0604713A) (Army)

## Source & machine access

- **Source:** FY2027 Department of the Navy RDT&E Budget Justification, Exhibits R-2/R-3, PE 0206623M (PB PB2027); FY2027 NDAA committee marks (as of 2026-07-27).
- **MCP:** `mcp.hitchintel.com` — `budget_get_program_element(pe="0206623M")`.

*HitchAI is an independent intelligence service, not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense. Budget figures are requests/estimates, not obligations.*