RDT&E Program Element · President's Budget PB2027

Technology Maturation Initiatives

PE 0604115A·U.S. Army·Approp. 2040 — RDT&E·BA4 — Advanced Component Development & Prototypes
FY2027 Request
$314.7M
⚑ Contested — House cuts 3.3%
HitchAI read

U.S. Army requests $314.7M in FY2027 (down from a FY2026 peak), sustained across the five-year plan. In the FY2027 defense authorization, the House cut 3.3% (to $304.3M); the Senate added 32% (to $414.7M); House appropriators added 39% (to $438.0M). PEO IEWS leads the industry work.

FY2027 Request
$314.7M
▼ 3.0% vs FY2026
House mark
$304.3M
▼ $10.4M vs request
FY2026 Enacted
$324.4M
In law

For fiscal year 2027, the U.S. Army is requesting $314.7M for Technology Maturation Initiatives under RDT&E program element 0604115A, down 3.0% from FY2026. In the FY2027 defense authorization, House moved to cut it to $304.3M.

Funding trajectory

Funding profile, FY2025–FY2031

Prior years are actuals, the budget year is the request, and the outyears are the FYDP plan. Estimate types are colored and never summed into one figure.

1002003000256.8FY25ACTUAL324.4FY26ENACTED314.7FY27REQUEST278.2FY28283.5FY29289.8FY30294.3FY31HOUSE
Actual Enacted Request Outyear (FYDP) House mark
Fiscal YearEstimate TypeAmount ($M)
FY2025Actual256.8
FY2026Enacted324.4
FY2027Request314.7
FY2028Outyear278.2
FY2029Outyear283.5
FY2030Outyear289.8
FY2031Outyear294.3
Where it sits

Acquisition lifecycle

This program is funded in RDT&E Budget Activity 4 — Advanced Component Development & Prototypes.

Complete
Research
BA 1–2
Complete
Advanced Technology
BA 3
Current
Prototyping
BA 4
Later
Development & Fielding
BA 5–7
Inside the program element

1 project rolls up into PE 0604115A

Projects are the summable leaves — the PE total is their sum, never added to it. Program elements and projects carry the full five-year plan; activities stop at the budget year. This PE moves -3% overall, which can hide much larger swings below.

Project AX3

Technology Maturation Initiatives

$314.7MFY2027 request ▼ 3%
FY2025 actual$256.8M
FY2026 enacted$324.4M
FY2027 request$314.7M
Product Development

This project funds the Technology Maturation Initiative (TMI), which matures, integrates and propels component technologies into experimental prototypes for demonstration in relevant environments and tactical/operational scenarios. The Technology Maturation Initiative takes emerging Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 products and propels to a goal of TRL 7, integrating them into technology demonstrators and experimental prototypes for Army Service Component Commands, Army Corps, Army Divisions and below. This initiative streamlines the development and insertion of mature technologies that support ground and air maneuver; fires; command and control (C2) and counter C2; agile sustainment and ammunition; and layered protection plus chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear. It provides the Army an improved mechanism for rapidly incorporating innovative technologies and advanced capabilities to support Secretary of War and Secretary of the Army Acquisition Reform efforts. This PE also provides a tiered evaluation and feasibility application of innovative and disruptive technologies to Army capability gaps at any stage in a technology's lifecycle. The project will partner with academia, small, non-traditional companies, and the defense industrial base to incubate ideas, stage pilot evaluations and to ensure more rapid integration and prototyping of the best, most innovative solutions into Army systems. Project teams comprised of both Technology Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and Acquisition Program leads to develop the project concept, execute the program, fabricate and evaluate the prototype, and develop the path to scale for incorporating the technology upon successful evaluation of the prototype.

Accomplishments / planned programs (R-2A) — prior, current and budget year only
Autonomous Operations for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
FY2025 actual$31.5M
FY2026 enacted
FY2027 request

FY2025 accomplishments Continue technology maturation for CONOPS, execute additional demonstration flight tests, and coordinate actions with Off-Board Survivability (OBS) to integrate software between the systems. Submit final reports and complete integration to the PM UAS Family of Systems Architecture and Requirements Specification for various Programs of Record.

Air Launched Effects (ALE) Off-board Survivability
FY2025 actual$35.6M
FY2026 enacted
FY2027 request

FY2025 accomplishments Continue technology maturation for OBS CONOPS and execute initial flight tests for both EW and IR payloads. Execute additional flight tests for each payload. Coordinate actions with Autonomy TMI to integrate software between the systems. Submit final reports, and complete integration to the PM UAS Family of Systems Architecture and Requirements Specification for various Programs of Record.

Tactical Analytics Architecture (TA2)
FY2025 actual$25.5M
FY2026 enacted
FY2027 request

FY2025 accomplishments Integrate and demonstrate the TA2 prototype AI-based algorithms into program of record Command & Control, Movement & Maneuver, Fires, Intel, and Logistics systems; to deliver AI-enabled decision support tools, data science platform environment tools, and data fabric capabilities to include Soldier definable visualizations / workflows, through a unified and secure tactical data fabric capable of cloud deployment. Demonstrate integrated high payoff target selection capability enhancements, sensor to shooter enhancements, and synchronization of fires data to Sustainment services supporting predictive combat power decision support capabilities. Transition modularized TA2 software technologies…

Tactical Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) Plexus
FY2025 actual$9.7M
FY2026 enacted
FY2027 request

FY2025 accomplishments Will demonstrate sensor and workflow transfer of situational awareness to guide decisions driven by NAVWAR situational understanding. Will provide mature NAVWAR interface implementation details to utilize in component programs. Will optimize integration and utilization of NAVWAR sensor data. Will demonstrate duration of a fires mission planning and execution in NAVWAR degraded environment.

Assured Navigation for Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (FTUAS)
FY2025 actual$5.7M
FY2026 enacted
FY2027 request

FY2025 accomplishments Will optimize low altitude vision-based navigation algorithms and software. Will integrate miniaturized prototype onto target platform. Will perform flight testing and evaluate prototype in GPS denied environments and in varying operational conditions. Will demonstrate final prototype solution. Will deliver production prototypes.

Reconfigurable Aperture Precision Targeting Radar (RAPTR) for Vehicle and Dismount Exploitation Radar (VADER) (RADER)
FY2025 actual$10.4M
FY2026 enacted
FY2027 request

FY2025 accomplishments Mature advanced radar modes based on testbed demonstration. Develop test plan and integrate engineering prototype for flight test evaluation. Conduct flight demonstrations in relevant environments for evaluation of advanced radar modes. Deliver open architecture processor system with integrated third party modes.

Lightweight Polymers for Modern Small Caliber Apps - Ammo Casing Only
FY2025 actual$3.6M
FY2026 enacted
FY2027 request

FY2025 accomplishments Will optimize commercial lightweight polymers and adhesives for lightweight design. Will optimize lightweight cartridge design. Will prototype and evaluate cartridge performance with optimized polymers, adhesives, and cartridge designs

Optical Threat Detection
FY2025 actual$3.8M
FY2026 enacted
FY2027 request

FY2025 accomplishments Finalize and document the design of the prototype system.

Solid State High Power Microwave System (SS-HPM)
FY2025 actual$2.1M
FY2026 enacted
FY2027 request

FY2025 accomplishments Test and deliver a solid state HPM source and emitter (mission kit) for technical insertion that is compatible with the IFPC-HPM prototype

Collaborative Links for Integrated Fires (CLIF)
FY2025 actual$11.5M
FY2026 enacted
FY2027 request

FY2025 accomplishments Prototype, integrate, and test Fires SoS solutions. Complete the development of collaborative capabilities integration of software in the loop simulation for HWIL integration. Build of demonstration hardware and evaluate prototype during live fire demonstration for transition to the CDAEM Program of Record. This effort is complete in FY2025

Multi-Network, Multi-Waveform Software Defined Radio▼ 100%
FY2025 actual$35.3M
FY2026 enacted$51.9M
FY2027 request

FY2026 to FY2027 change The funding decrease is due to project completion and transition to PORs.

FY2026 plans — current year Will complete the prototyping and evaluation of the second tranche of waveforms and iteration of second form factor hardware of end user devices and network/operational systems. Transition prototype and advanced capabilities to multiple Army acquisition programs. This effort is complete in FY2026.

FY2025 accomplishments Will complete porting of one military terrestrial and one celestial waveform to at least one radio hardware form factor prototype suitable for user demonstration. Will initiate development of a second tranche of waveforms and at least one additional form factor.

Consolidated prototype platform for Joint Common Artificial Intelligence / Autonomous Operations, Data architectures, and Power systems▼ 100%
FY2025 actual$16.2M
FY2026 enacted$25.1M
FY2027 request

FY2026 to FY2027 change The funding decrease is due to project completion and transition to PORs.

FY2026 plans — current year Complete prototype fabrication and experimentation for data architectures for next generation command and control. Autonomous systems, long range fires and air & missile defense.

FY2025 accomplishments Prototype common data fabric, architecture and communication systems for command and control addressing Army, USMC and USAF data needs. Prototype optimized platform autonomous systems for command and control of the platform and autonomous operations. Prototype hybrid power systems designs meeting platform, communications, and autonomous operations, and mission needs.

Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) Prototyping
FY2025 actual$20.0M
FY2026 enacted
FY2027 request

FY2025 accomplishments Prototype common data fabric, architecture and communication systems for command and control addressing Army data needs. Prototype integration of third party data into the common data fabric to be used for all NGC2 systems.

Aviation Lightweight Armor▼ 100%
FY2025 actual$3.3M
FY2026 enacted$3.9M
FY2027 request

FY2026 to FY2027 change The funding decrease is due to project completion and transition to the Army's FLRAA program.

FY2026 plans — current year Finalize armor configuration and integration strategy. Manufacture FLRAA cabin floor mockup and conduct armor fit check and integration demonstration. Conduct live fire testing of the armor kit installed in the mockup floor to demonstrate ballistic performance. Transition prototype to the Army's FLRAA program. This effort is complete in FY2026.

FY2025 accomplishments Engage with FLRAA vendor to ensure compatibility of the amor kit with the platform design and performance requirements. Optimize the armor system configuration and conduct preliminary ballistic testing to ensure the armor meets the requirements of the FLRAA aircraft.

FY2025 actual$10.6M
FY2026 enacted$18.6M
FY2027 request$10.8M

Design and development of the prototype RF Smoke solution to disrupt the electromagnetic spectrum, effectively masking, concealing, and preserving combat lethality overmatch in contested environments. This will involve refining system architecture, integrating key components, and ensuring the solution meets operational requirements…

Read the FY2027 plan →
Combination Soldier and Logistics Aerial Insertion (Combodrop)▼ 100%
FY2025 actual$2.6M
FY2026 enacted$2.5M
FY2027 request

FY2026 to FY2027 change The funding decrease is due to project completion and transition to the POR.

FY2026 plans — current year Finalize User Interface to provide command and control (C2) capabilities, cargo aerial resupply interoperability, and display mission critical situational awareness information for cargo aerial delivery platforms. Conduct final evaluation of preflight mission planning and inflight C2 capability between personnel and cargo systems. Transition prototype to the PEO. This effort is complete in FY2026.

FY2025 accomplishments Complete initial development and integration of preflight mission planning software and mission execution software. Develop User Interfaces to provide command and control (C2) capabilities and display mission critical situational awareness information for cargo aerial delivery platforms. Conduct initial evaluation of C2 radios for communications between personnel and cargo systems.

Containerized Weapon System - Counter UAS▼ 100%
FY2025 actual$8.9M
FY2026 enacted$2.5M
FY2027 request

FY2026 to FY2027 change The funding decrease is due to project completion and transition to the POR.

FY2026 plans — current year Individual platform testing and qualification of the dual-safe APKWS proximity fuse; live fire demonstration; and obtain full release approval from ISSRB and Safety Confirmation from ATEC. Transition prototype to the PEO. This effort is complete in FY2026.

FY2025 accomplishments Optimize Fire Control Station for single operator and incorporate the target Illumination Verification System (TIVS) into the Fire Control System and utilize AI to increase the probability of hit with minimal operator input. Begin verification of the dual-safe APKWS proximity fuse through the Safety Review Board process and obtain limited release approval from the Ignition System Safety Review Board (ISSRB).

Expeditionary Field Artillery Sensor (ExFAS)▼ 77%
FY2025 actual$2.2M
FY2026 enacted$13.6M
FY2027 request$3.1M

FY2027 planned work Will finalize AN/TPQ-53 interfaces and interface control documentation for system interoperability as well as data link integration. Conduct live fire testing of the data link integrated into the AN/TPQ-53 to test and demonstrate operational performance. Transition prototype to the Army's AN/TPQ-53 program.

FY2026 to FY2027 change The funding reduction aligns with the efforts plan, reflecting the completion of the prototype system's design and development phase in preparation for live fire testing and experimentation.

FY2026 plans — current year Will mature and optimize AN/TPQ-53 interfaces and interface control documentation for system interoperability. Will integrate and evaluate at the system level. Will perform Test Readiness Review and over the air evaluation of the AN/TPQ-53 mode.

FY2025 accomplishments Will evaluate fires radar open system architecture, and dual wideband technology through model and simulation and digital engineering framework to determine initial design. Will perform analysis of design concepts through realistic virtual prototype. Will develop a physical prototype based on the design concept. Will mature the virtual prototype of the design and validate digital engineering performance alongside of a physical prototype.

FY2025 actual$9.9M
FY2026 enacted$31.5M
FY2027 request$31.7M

FY27 will continue to leverage National Investments and advances in Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), Electronics Warfare, and Cyber capabilities to prototype increased capability for use and advancement of Army Warfighter Capability.

Read the FY2027 plan →
FY2025 actual$8.5M
FY2026 enacted$10.0M
FY2027 request$12.0M

Will focus on integrating and testing critical common Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) electronics and components, including propulsion, communication, navigation, and system processing, across multiple Army/Blue UAS platforms, while advancing the integration of inexpensive commercial components, sub-system arrays, and payloads for both…

Read the FY2027 plan →
FY2025 actual
FY2026 enacted$22.0M
FY2027 request$61.1M

This effort will support four critical initiatives in EW and C-UAS: 1. Multi-Mode Direct Fire Systems to Counter sUAS Threats: Will focus on the continued maturation, integration, and operational testing of a prototype system that integrates the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) with a MK19 grenade launcher and a '3-in-1'…

Read the FY2027 plan →
FY2025 actual
FY2026 enacted$9.3M
FY2027 request$15.2M

Will focus on prototyping advanced capabilities for command and control (C2) systems/subsystems and position, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems to enhance operational effectiveness. Specific plans include developing a C2 effort that complements investments in the U.S. Army Close Terrain Shaping Obstacle program by leveraging recent…

Read the FY2027 plan →
FY2025 actual
FY2026 enacted$7.1M
FY2027 request$20.0M

Will build upon FY26 advancements by further prototyping and integrating mission systems and protection systems to enhance the capabilities of Army manned and unmanned ground and aviation platforms. Specific plans include expanding autonomy integration across additional air and ground platforms to improve maneuverability, survivability…

Read the FY2027 plan →
FY2025 actual
FY2026 enacted$16.9M
FY2027 request$28.7M

Continue to prototype individual Soldier weapons, provide Soldiers with enhanced capabilities, and increase their protection and ability to respond to emerging situations through prototyping and maturation of advanced technologies. Plans include the continued development and maturation of an integrated Advanced Digital Control System…

Read the FY2027 plan →
FY2025 actual
FY2026 enacted$39.8M
FY2027 request$46.7M

Will continue to develop and prototype capabilities supporting the maturation of weapon systems, including long-range precision fires, with advancements in energetics, warheads, propulsion, and guidance technology. Specific plans include the continued development and integration of an enhanced seeker for the Precision Strike Missile…

Read the FY2027 plan →
FY2025 actual
FY2026 enacted$11.0M
FY2027 request$32.1M

Will focus on designing and developing an advanced multifunction sensor capability for aircraft, enabling users to gather critical intelligence in a single pass while significantly reducing operational costs and improving mission efficiency. In addition, ground-based sensors will be designed, developed, and tested alongside an integrated…

Read the FY2027 plan →
FY2025 actual
FY2026 enacted
FY2027 request$28.1M

In FY27, this effort will focus on advancing key goals to address critical capability gaps and enhance operational effectiveness for the XVIII Airborne Corps. This effort will develop a Sensor/Effector Architecture that integrates sensors, effectors, and artificial intelligence (AI) within an internally open, externally closed framework…

Read the FY2027 plan →
FY2025 actual
FY2026 enacted
FY2027 request$25.1M

IN FY27 this effort will focus on advancing critical capability gaps and enhance the operational effectiveness for the United States Army Europe-Africa (USAREUR-AF) and United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) Army Service Component Command (ASCCs). This effort will leverage prize competitions to drive innovation and collaboration with…

Read the FY2027 plan →
Congressional action

The request is contested

Committee marks on the FY2027 request. Adds and cuts are reconciled in conference before they become law.

RequestPresident's Budget
$314.7M
House NDAA (HASC)HASC
$304.3M −$10.4M · −3.3%
Senate NDAA (SASC)SASC
$414.7M +$100.0M · +32%
House Approps (HAC-D)HAC_D
$438.0M +$123.3M · +39%
▲ $133.7M chamber gap — unresolved as of 2026-07-27. These are FY2027 authorization marks (NDAA); appropriations and the conference agreement may differ.
Who's building it

Where the FY2027 request goes

Performers named in the R-3 exhibit, resolved into industry, government-lab, and unspecified shares. Budget-justification contract funding, not obligations.

PEO IEWS
$31.7M · 10%
Iron Sense
JPEO A&A
$10.8M · 3.4%
Electro-Magnetic Battlespace Shaping and Protection (EM-BSP)
Where FY2027 funding flowsShare$M
Industry primes14%42.5
Government labs & warfare centers1.0%3.1
Other / unspecified86%269.0
FY2027 request100%314.7
See PEO IEWS's full federal contract ledger members
Program detail

Mission & acquisition strategy

This Program Element (PE) funds the Technology Maturation Initiative (TMI), which matures and integrates component technologies into experimental prototypes for demonstration in relevant environments and tactical/operational scenarios. The Technology Maturation Initiative takes emerging Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 products to a goal of TRL 7, integrating them into technology demonstrators and experimental prototypes for Army Service Component Commands, Army Corps, Army Divisions and below.

Project AX3 — Technology Maturation Initiatives
  • Product Development
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Answers are generated from the figures on this page — the FY2027 justification exhibits and the marks tracked above — and nothing else is consulted. Confirm any figure against the cited exhibit before you use it externally.

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How does the FY2027 request compare with FY2026, and what does the five-year plan show?What did House do to this request, and what is still unresolved?How is the FY2027 request split between industry and government performers?In plain terms, what is this program element for and how is it being acquired?

This page carries the budget justification and the NDAA marks — nothing else. For what PEO IEWS has actually been obligated, the ledger is at hitchintel.com/vendors; for live solicitations, hitchintel.com/opportunities. Both are member surfaces.

Provenance

Cite this page

Sources
FY2027 Department of the Army RDT&E Budget Justification · Exhibits R-2 / R-3 · PE 0604115A (President's Budget PB2027) — and FY2027 NDAA committee marks, as tracked 2026-07-27.
Suggested citation
HitchAI, "Technology Maturation Initiatives (PE 0604115A)," federal budget intelligence, PB2027 vintage. hitchintel.com/programs/0604115A
Machine access
Markdown twin /programs/0604115A.md · MCP mcp.hitchintel.combudget_get_program_element, budget_get_cong_marks