MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Abstract

This Program Element (PE) identifies, develops, rapidly prototypes, integrates, and tests Special Operations (SO)-peculiar mission kits, mission payloads, weapons, and modifications on MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Ground Control Stations (GCSs), and training systems as a component of the Medium Altitude Long Endurance Tactical (MALET) program. The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is designated as the DoD lead for planning, synchronizing, and as directed, executing global operations against terrorist networks. The USSOCOM requires the capability to find, fix, finish, exploit, and analyze time-sensitive high-value targets. These targets can often only be identified with patient collection of information and require rapid, decisive action during the short periods in which they present themselves. This program element addresses the primary areas of Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Target Acquisition and Strike. This PE received Congressional Adds in FY 2023 for lightweight open architecture pod ($7.500 million) and to support Adaptive Airborne Enterprise ($5.840 million). Beginning in FY 2026, MQ-9 RDT&E funding has transitioned to PE 1160403BB, Aviation Systems, Project SF100: Aviation Systems Advanced Development, to support the acceleration of the A2E concept. The total cost of the MQ-9 Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is $310.606 million, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The MQ-9 is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2025
Source ID
1105219BB_7_0400_PB_2025
Change Summary Explanation
Funding: FY 2023: Net increase of $15.936 million is due to reprogramming of funds to the congressionally mandated Small Business Innovative Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs (-$0.998 million) and an Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) increase to establish the System Integration Lab and the Modular Open-system Architecture capability ($16.934 million). FY 2024: None. FY 2025: Net decrease of $10.000 million is due to transition of Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) funds to PE 1160403BB, Aviation Systems, Project SF100: Aviation Systems Advanced Development. This supports the development of the Modular Open-system Architecture, collaborative environments that facilitate integration and fielding of Special Operation peculiar capabilities and enhance long-range strike.
Service Agency Name
United States Special Operations Command

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Special Operations Command

Tags

Readers

  • Aerial Unmanned Vehicle Swarm Micro Periodontal Dentistry.
  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs
  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control

Related Documents