Counter Improvised-Threat Demonstration
This project develops prototypes and demonstrates technology for detecting and defeating Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). The goal of this project is to mature technology to increase the ability of deployed forces to positively identify IEDs with minimal false alarms and increase the rate of advance of maneuver forces. An additional goal is to positively neutralize IEDs with minimal collateral damage. Driven by the current threat facing deployed U.S. forces, this project enables rapid development and delivery of capabilities that enable the detection, neutralization, and mitigation of IEDs and their effects. This project is coordinated with the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (USW/R&E) and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding decrease reflects the termination of this effort and the strategic reallocation of resources to support evolving priorities and objectives.
FY2026 plans — current year Will demonstrate standoff detection of IEDs utilizing teamed small, unmanned aerial and unmanned ground systems with improved detection performance and reduced false alarms in a cluttered environment. Will demonstrate potential data fusion techniques for improved detection performance and identify integration challenges and opportunities leveraging work in PE 0603134A.
FY2025 accomplishments Will demonstrate detection of IEDs utilizing teamed small, unmanned aerial and unmanned ground systems with improved detection performance and reduced false alarms in a relevant environment. Will evaluate potential data fusion techniques for improved detection performance and identify integration challenges and opportunities leveraging work in PE 0603134A.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding decrease reflects the termination of this effort and the strategic reallocation of resources to support evolving priorities and objectives.
FY2026 plans — current year Will conduct evaluations of mature IED detection and neutralization systems in tropical environments to assess performance. Will evaluate multiple electro-optical, infrared, radio frequency, electromagnetic induction, and other sensing modalities at multiple sites. Will assess detection performance against operationally relevant IED components and emplacements.
FY2025 accomplishments Will conduct evaluations of mature IED detection and neutralization systems in temperate and jungle environments to assess performance. Will evaluate multiple electro-optical, infrared, radio frequency, electromagnetic induction, and other sensing modalities at appropriate test facilities. Will assess detection performance against various IED components and emplacements.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding decrease reflects the termination of this effort and the strategic reallocation of resources to support evolving priorities and objectives.
FY2026 plans — current year Will mature performance of standoff on-the-move IED detection sensors and radio controlled IED neutralization technologies in operationally relevant scenarios. Will demonstrate technologies for detection and mitigation of IED threats, including manipulation techniques, electromagnetic, optical, millimeter wave, nuclear quadrupole resonance, and harmonic sensors. Will assess performance of technologies in complex electromagnetic environments.
FY2025 accomplishments Will assess performance of IED detection sensors and radio controlled IED neutralization technologies in various scenarios. Will mature and evaluate emerging technologies for detection and mitigation of IED threats, including manipulation techniques, electromagnetic, optical, millimeter wave, nuclear quadrupole resonance, and harmonic sensors. Will assess performance of emerging technologies in complex electromagnetic environments.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding decrease reflects the termination of this effort and the strategic reallocation of resources to support evolving priorities and objectives.
FY2026 plans — current year Will demonstrate and assess electro-magnetic pre-triggering, kinetic devices, remotely operated manipulation, and precision placement technologies to neutralize and mitigate IEDs with complex emplacements and configurations and/or within complex environmental conditions and/or contested operational scenarios.
FY2025 accomplishments Will mature and evaluate electro-magnetic pre-triggering, kinetic devices, remotely operated manipulation, and precision placement technologies to neutralize IEDs with complex emplacements and configurations and/or within complex environmental conditions.