Soldier Lethality Advanced Technology

Will mature performance prediction models by integrating expanded model inputs (e.g., physical performance and cognitive and physical interactions) into simulated and field assessments for refinement and validation; conduct user touch points on updated prediction model to inform usability and integration requirements; and mature…

Will investigate and demonstrate the ability (through methods and metrics) to quantify the effects of a subset of equipment configurations (e.g., body armor levels) on individual and small unit mobility, lethality, and survivability to inform acquisition decisions (resulting data will inform efforts to model the effects of Soldier…

Will initiate integration of predictive models and artificial intelligence (AI) recommender tool for Command decision support; will demonstrate and validate integration of the advanced analytic platform into a human performance data management system for Command decisions at echelon; demonstrate human-machine interaction (multi-modal…

Will mature training, simulation, and operational capabilities by optimizing and integrating cutting-edge technologies across multiple domains. Will validate and demonstrate Spatial Phase Imaging (SPI) sensors for real-time 3D object identification, target recognition, and direct fire engagements during simulated exercises. Cyberspace…

Will advance novel thermal sterilization technologies with reduced heat exposure time, for improved ration quality and nutrient retention; will develop a side component with optimized protein content to maximize energy and minimize nutrient deficiency, supporting the Unitized Group Ration Heat & Serve/Express ration platforms; will…

Will begin demonstration and validation of next generation static line parachute, incorporating new material and design characteristics; Perform integration and demonstration of technologies in support of long range Joint Precision AirDrop System (JPADS) variants, at distances in excess of 10x of current capabilities; Validate mission…

Will continue advancing research and development in the competency areas of advanced manufacturing processes; composite research in support of advanced manufacturing; additive manufacturing technologies; design for additive manufacturing and digital manufacturing and design innovation; research will focus on large scale, large-volume…

Will demonstrate proof-of-concept in operational setting for data movement and storage (e.g., one of the Combat Training Centers); mature data flow and display within the Command to support decisions at the correct echelon; mature the data pipeline for JHRM integration to ensure blast exposure can be tracked over a Soldier's career.

Will improve charging infrastructure components at company and below for dismounted optimized charging of Soldier equipment and sUAS platforms and standardize a small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) battery-to-charger adapter to support all dismounted standardized batteries, improving sustainment, reducing battery downtime, and increasing…

Will demonstrate robust head tracking estimation when displaying augmented reality. Will validate image processing techniques providing reduced overall power requirements for heads up displays. Will optimize advanced threat cueing modules for display on devices that are not co-located for improved distribution of situational awareness…

Extreme Batteries Technology: Will integrate and demonstrate low temperature / high-capacity Group 3 UAS batteries into a UAS platform TRV150 for demonstration at a relevant operational environment during Arctic Edge 27 to increase operational capacity at extreme cold weather by at least 50%. Will develop and demonstrate high temperature…

Will optimize weapon and munition prototypes to improve small arms system performance against future targets in relevant environments; optimize signature reduction devices and automated target recognition and engagement technologies based on validation results; demonstrate hardware, software, and algorithms to improve small arms fire…

Will mature projectile and cartridge case technologies for target defeat and target suppression; Will improve weapon test bed/surrogate for performance demonstration and validation. Will mature Future Medium Machine Gun barrel, suppressor, and system technologies to rapidly detect, suppress, and defeat personnel and vehicles.

Will mature high performance weapon enabler and munition prototypes and diagnostic tools to improve small arms system performance against future targets in relevant environments. Will optimize signature reduction, aided target recognition, and aim augmentation technologies. Will demonstrate integrated hardware, software, and algorithms…

Will optimize the lethal capabilities of mortar system, validate the lethal capability by conducting developmental testing and demonstrations. Will validate the projectile aeroballistic performance through system demonstration in conjunction with planned programs. Will demonstrate, in a relevant environment, that mortar system comply…

FY2027 planned work Will improve Soldier survivability by maturing and demonstrating integrated materials, technologies, and systems that enhance protection, mobility, and operational effectiveness across operationally relevant environments and threat landscapes; reduce equipment weight and bulk; and improve system integration of camouflage and concealment technology. Will perform Soldier user assessments of helmet power and data architecture integrating headborne accessories. Exploit emerging ballistic materials and novel processing techniques to increase helmet performance and mature lightweight small arms protective insert plate technologies. Will perform Soldier user assessments of environmental protection…

FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increase reflects transfer from Program Element (PE) 0603118A (Soldier Lethality Advanced Technology) / Project AY9 (Body Armor & Integrated Headborne Advanced Tech)

FY2026 plans — current year Will mature and demonstrate a power/data management hub design that is low profile and provides flexibility for connection with a variety of peripheral electronic devices within the load management system; demonstrate a modular load management system that is tailorable in extreme cold environments to mission needs in terms of protection from environment or threat while maximizing comfort and maneuverability; improve Soldier performance on cold/extreme cold environmental to protect extremities; prevent cold weather injury while maintaining combat effectiveness; mature and demonstrate water quality sensor technologies in relevant environments to indicate end-of-life for filtration devices and…

FY2025 accomplishments Will demonstrate fully-integrated power/data management in load management system enhancement to provide streamlined form factor and connectivity of electronic devices across the Soldier ensemble platform, reducing snag hazards and increasing Soldier maneuverability and lethality; demonstrate solutions for extreme cold weather protection that complement both existing and future cold weather ensembles to mitigate debilitating injuries and preserve unit strength in extreme cold conditions; perform Soldier user assessments on optimized ensemble system prototypes for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) Ready Soldier of 2035 cross-domain maneuver temperate-to-hot and temperate-to-cold operating…

Will verify and validate integrated sensor architecture and ballistic flyout model performance in one to two high fidelity live range exercises; verify and validate casualty assessment accuracy and latency performance against live weapon performance.

Will verify and validate cyberspace data models and integrate into brokering effects architecture; validate performance in Cyber, Electronic Warfare (EW) and Global Positioning System (GPS) denied environments specific to Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) use cases; and analyze performance data and begin integration of mature enhancements of…

Will develop hardware acceleration architecture; start implementation/integration of dynamic behavior algorithms for large scale training exercise use cases, integrate configuration and authoring components in relevant planning pre-exercise use cases; and start mature component architecture integration into a single solution for…

Will begin initial validation activities of architecture previously designed to leverage mature/reusable Measures of Performance/Effectiveness (MOPs/MOEs); demonstrate Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) profiles and authoring tools/user interfaces aligned to knowledge, skills, abilities and behaviors (KSABs) across identified MDO task…

Will mature and demonstrate physics- based algorithms for munitions effects in live range environment based on initial validation, demonstrate wireless data compression architecture for live/virtual/constructive training environments; demonstrate data models that enable high fidelity engagements in live environment; and demonstrate and…

Will mature and demonstrate physical and software solutions for prolonged care in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) training environment; optimize consolidated physiology engine and updated haptic hardware against Live prolonged care use cases that support Army medical training, such as extended austere environment, gender care…

FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding decrease reflects transfer to Program Element (PE) 0603118A (Soldier Lethality Advanced Technology) / Project BC1 (Human Performance Adv Tech for Mobility & Lethality) to streamline and optimize the Science and Technology (S&T) portfolio.

FY2026 plans — current year Will conduct full scale end-to-end assessments, in support of technology demonstration for autonomously guided battlefield resupply from >10,000 ft altitude, with payloads distance offsets exceeding 200 km; mature main canopy technical approaches for use within static line paratrooper operations; conduct demonstration of autonomous battlefield resupply technology through consumption initiated requests.

FY2025 accomplishments Will demonstrate full-scale technology for autonomous flight of delivery systems to increase offset distance, weight capacity, and autonomy of resupply operations; demonstrate integration of resupply mission planning solutions with selected resupply delivery systems; and develop assistive technologies to improve individual jumper performance and unit/infiltration team mission effectiveness.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding decrease reflects transfer to Program Element (PE) 0603118A (Soldier Lethality Advanced Technology) / Project BC9 (Adv Soldier Sensors/Displays Adv Tech for Dismounts) to streamline and optimize the Science and Technology (S&T) portfolio.

FY2026 plans — current year Will integrate Soldier mission-command systems, threat-detection sensors, unmanned systems, data fusion, intelligent systems, and tactical networks to enhance the small unit's decision dominance, lethality, and survivability during combat operations; mature and demonstrate collaborative autonomy and multi-agent teaming technologies for advanced control and planning of Army unmanned systems during dismounted operations to improve Soldier lethality and situational awareness.

FY2025 accomplishments Integrate and demonstrate Unmanned Systems (UMS) Tools application to control Small UAS from the Nett Warrior platform in support of Next Generation Command & Control (NGC2) at Project Convergence Capstone 5 (PCC5) and the Army's Transformation in Contact (TiC) 1.0 and 2.0 initiatives; demonstrate the Trailblazer dismounted route planning application during a Soldier field evaluation to collect user feedback during operational scenarios and inform changes to the application prior to the final transition to PM SWAR; Transition TRL 6 Sensored Soldier technology deliverables (Trailblazer, Foresight, Unmanned Systems Tool, Jupiter applications) to PM SWAR - Nett Warrior, as outlined in the…