Unmanned Expeditionary Systems
Abstract
Prior to FY 2024, Unmanned Logistics System-Air (ULS-A) was previously funded in Project 4002 Family of Raid Reconnaissance. The establishment of this new project and realignment of funding more closely align the programmatics of ULS-A to Unmanned Expeditionary Systems (UES) mission sets. This budget currently funds efforts for two capabilities, ULS-A Small (Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS)) and ULS-A Medium (Medium Aerial Resupply Vehicle-Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL)). UES is a Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) Force Design (FD) initiative. FD recognizes the complex, high threat, and diverse environments in the INDOPACOM area of operations encountered by Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and Marine Littoral Regiments (MLRs). As system technology advances in future years, UES will also include emerging technologies to include autonomous distribution capabilities for elements across the MAGTF and MLR, enabling more diversified distribution and the sustainment of Marine Corps forces across future operating environments. The TRUAS provides an autonomous unmanned organic battlefield logistics capability primarily in distribution of critical supplies in Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) safely within the Surface to Air Missile (SAM) Weapon Engagement Zone (WEZ), where the risk to manned aircraft would deny manned aviation resupply operations. TRUAS will have the capability to carry 120-pound payloads at a distance of 12 kilometers at a cruise speed of 50 knots. TRUAS reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in October of FY2024. In FY 2025 the Program will continue development of GPS Denied and Sense and Avoid capabilities. Additionally, TRUAS will begin development of Landing Zone Detection capability in 2Q FY 2025, and Integrated testing of the GPS Denied, Sense and Avoid, and Landing Zone Detection capabilities will occur throughout FY 2025. MARV-EL is an autonomous UAS capability that can carry a logistic payload between 300 and 600lbs to a combat radius from 25 to 100 nautical miles (NM). The system will support a logistics distribution mission at the tactical edge for resupplying forward deployed ground forces. The MAGTF and MLR require the flexibility to draw sustainment from anywhere supplies exist. Supplies moved organically through aerial capabilities offer the speed and persistence needed to maintain critical operational tempo. MARV-EL, complementing the capabilities of the TRUAS, provides a heavier aerial distribution capability in environments in which the risk to manned aircraft may be too great. MARVEL fulfills the Force Design objective of maintaining a relative warfighting advantage over peer threats through the acquisition of Unmanned Logistics System-Aerial/Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Two prototyping contracts awarded in 2Q FY 2023 with prototype deliveries and performance evaluation planned for 4Q FY 2024. At this time, the program plans to down select to one vendor, establish an acquisition pathway, and continue prototype maturation, IT and conduct field user evaluations. A production decision is planned for FY 2028.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 2530_0206623M_7_1319_PB_2025
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