DEF Program
Abstract
The DEF Program enables DoD programs to develop and incorporate technology protection features in designated systems during the research and development phase of such systems to prepare them for export. By facilitating the export of U.S. defense systems, the DoD enhances the U.S. defense industrial base, strengthens the military capabilities of U.S. allies around the world, and increases coalition interoperability. Program activities funded by FY 2023 & FY 2024 funds include: • MQ-9A Block 1: Provided funding to develop, integrate, and test 1 MQ-9A Block 1 and Block 25 DCMGCS to establish exportability of the configuration. Testing Includes Ground Flight, HIL, and SIL testing. This also includes developing exportable MQ-9A Block 1 and Block 25 DCMGCS English language CSTOs and English language Aircrew and Maintenance Personnel Training Curriculum. • AN/MPQ-64A3 Sentinel F1 EP Software Enhancements: The planned scope of work includes EP Enhancements, integration and regression testing of EP Enhancements on the F1 SW Baseline and updating system and software requirements. •Astro-Standards (Space Force): Follow on work will continue the implementation of DEF Phase 1B-identified architecture and processes and building upon the foundation set by the first year’s initial Phase 2 efforts, including continued prototyping of prioritized exportability features that could be tested and used for lessons learned about the development and delivery of future exportable-ready software capabilities. •Integrated Solutions for Situation Awareness (Space Force): Follow on work will continue implementation of DEF Phase 1B-identified architecture and processes. Building upon the foundation set by the current year’s Phase 2 efforts, include continued prototyping of prioritized exportability features that could be tested and used for lessons learned about the development and delivery of future exportable-ready software capabilities. •Abrams Tank Systems Armor (Army): Follow on work will continue and the planned scope of work includes Integration of US Government selected armor design into the current M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank turret front armor cavities, provide a Preliminary Technical Data package, and conduct USG validation testing. •Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2) (Army): Follow on work will continue to develop an exportable version of the launcher and AUR-M. The DEF Phase 2A effort will transition the previous DEF studies’ fundings and recommendations into the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract. The Phase 2B effort will be the implementation of the hardware and software changes into the LRIP production assets. The objectives of these efforts are to have a fully exportable weapon system configuration available at Full Rate Production.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- b7da1f5722f2d70f92044b285fe1e563