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By Kyle Richardson, C5ISR Center Public Affairs TECHNOLOGY Improve Survivability U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy Ephriam, assigned to 36th EN BDE, prepares a Ground Obstacle Breaching Lane Neutralizer drone (GOBLIN) for launch during Project Convergence-Capstone 5 (PC-C5) on Fort Irwin, Calif., in March 2025. PC-C5 showcases multi-domain concepts, demonstrates advanced future capabilities and experiments with future concepts for the Army, Joint Services, and Multinational allies and partners. (Sgt. Marita Schwab) ❮ ❯ FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Amidst today’s modern battlefield, most people would only think of Soldiers swinging grappling hooks and probing the ground as historical accounts of mine-clearing techniques. Unfortunately, Soldiers still find themselves within an arm’s reach of deadly mine threats and calculated obstructions. While the U.S. Army continues to modernize and transform, Soldiers are trying to decrease their reliance on legacy systems as they face endlessly evolving threats. For nearly 40 years, the Army has used the M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge, or MICLIC, as a complement to Soldiers manually clearing mines and obstacles. The MICLIC’s legacy ties back to Col. Harry D. Tyson, who invented a type of mine-clearing charge during the Battle of Anzio in 1944. For decades, Warfighters have depended on the MICLIC as a standard for quickly creating breaching lanes through obstructions and minefields. Today, the Army is modernizing breaching equipment and procedures with a renewed focus on automation and keeping Soldiers farther out of harm’s reach during breaching operations. The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center has collaborated with industry partners and the Project Manager Close Combat Systems under the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition , to develop a system to enhance breaching operations and increase Soldiers’ survivability. The Autonomous Breaching System (ABS) was born through this collaboration. The ABS was developed to provide a faster, more reliable, and safer way to clear obstacles compared to traditional breaching methods — potentially replacing the M58 MICLIC system and other legacy systems like the Mine Clearing Roller. TECHNOLOGY Hazard Detection In Real Time U.S. Army National Guard A Troop and B Troop Soldiers from the Regimental Engineer Squadron, 278th Armored Calvary Regiment, use an Assault Breacher Vehicle to fire an M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge, June 8, 2024 on Fort Cavazos. Soldiers fired multiple MICLIC successfully as part of an XCTC mine clearing exercise. (Sgt. Grayson Cavaliere) ❮ ❯ Over the last few years, experts with the C5ISR Center have been working with academia and industry partners to develop multi-mission sensing payloads integrated with on-board artificial intelligence/machine learning algorithms that detect explosive hazard threats in real time. ABS is leveraging these detection algorithms in conjunction with neutralization capabilities to modernize breaching operations. “The ABS brings precision detection and neutralization to the Soldier, to increase their lethality, survivability and stand-off from the breach lane,” said Michael Donnelly, detection lead, C5ISR Center. “Our algorithms can be ported to any system that has visible and infrared cameras to support day and night operations. Additionally, the scalability and precision ensure that you don’t have to fire a line-charge to pinpoint a single mine.” The ABS platform represents a leap forward from legacy systems, emerging as a future critical capability multiplier for ground forces. It addresses several shortcomings of legacy systems that can remove Soldiers from immediate danger during breaching operations. This can have a profound impact on Soldiers’ survivability — placing the system in a class ahead of its predecessors. “Some of the Army’s current technologies are from the [1960s] and it’s important to give our Soldiers the latest and greatest technology,” said Kendall Johnson, physicist, C5ISR Center. “I think where we are now [with ABS] really pushes upon any sort of scenarios, any sort of battles, or any sort of conflicts that the Army is looking forward to in the future. Especially with the push of modern robotics and artificial intelligence. It gives us a strong advantage and helps us to outpace our enemies.” The ABS minimizes the window of vulnerability by reducing the time it takes Soldiers to breach an obstacle. Plus, the ABS’s increased range and maneuverability allows it to be effective against a broader spectrum of obstacles. TECHNOLOGY Integrate AI Algorithms U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center personnel demonstrates one of the unmanned aircraft systems upgraded with advanced sensor technology, and is a part of the Autonomous Breaching System (ABS), during a training exercise located at Fort Liberty, N.C. The ABS was developed to help create a faster, more reliable, and safer way to clear obstacles compared to legacy breaching technology. (Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs) TECHNOLOGY Soldier Feedback Army C5ISR Center personnel demonstrate the Ground-based Multi-Mission Payload proof-of-concept prototype at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in April 2026. The technology includes a suite of hardware and AI-enabled software with advanced sensors, which has been outfitted onto a variety of ground vehicles and robotic platforms. (Photo Credit: John Martinez) TECHNOLOGY Open Architecture Army C5ISR Center personnel demonstrate the Ground-based Multi-Mission Payload proof-of-concept prototype at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in April 2026. The technology includes a suite of hardware and AI-enabled software with advanced sensors, which has been outfitted onto a variety of ground vehicles and robotic platforms. (Photo Credit: John Martinez) TECHNOLOGY Open Architecture Army C5ISR Center personnel demonstrate the Ground-based Multi-Mission Payload proof-of-concept prototype at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in April 2026. The technology includes a suite of hardware and AI-enabled software with advanced sensors, which has been outfitted onto a variety of ground vehicles and robotic platforms. (Photo Credit: John Martinez) TECHNOLOGY Maximum Force Protection Army C5ISR Center personnel demonstrate the Ground-based Multi-Mission Payload proof-of-concept prototype at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in April 2026. The technology includes a suite of hardware and AI-enabled software with advanced sensors, which has been outfitted onto a variety of ground vehicles and robotic platforms. (Photo Credit: John Martinez) ❮ ❯ “Our work is driven by our understanding of the threat — current, as it evolves, and as we anticipate based on our understanding of emerging technology and trends,” said

By Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs TECHNOLOGY Support Industrial Base Soldiers conduct test flights of the Binocular Night Vision Device-Fused during a night mission. The BNVD-F integrates both image intensifiers and a thermal imaging sensor. Combining the power of thermal imaging with traditional night vision goggles, BNVD-F provides much greater situational awareness for Army aircrews. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) TECHNOLOGY Support Industrial Base Soldiers conduct test flights of the Binocular Night Vision Device-Fused during a night mission. The BNVD-F integrates both image intensifiers and a thermal imaging sensor. Combining the power of thermal imaging with traditional night vision goggles, BNVD-F provides much greater situational awareness for Army aircrews. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) ❮ ❯ FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Aug. 21, 2025) — Army aircrews face challenging conditions to remain lethal and safe during night missions. To deliver solutions, the Army is leveraging researchers’ technical and operational expertise to maintain superior aviation performance. The Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center recognized a need from aviation crew chiefs, flight medics, door gunners and flight engineers for better night-vision goggles to improve situational awareness. Locating friendly and adversary personnel on the ground, avoiding obstacles in landing zones, and conducting medical evacuation operations are demanding tasks during night missions. C5ISR Center subject-matter experts have the experience and assets to solve the challenge as the R&D organization behind Army night-vision and thermal imaging technologies, according to branch chief Nick Andreyko. The Army started by collaborating with an industry partner to adapt the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular (ENVG-B), currently fielded to ground Soldiers, into a prototype suitable for aviation. Aviation specific engineering modifications were made to create the Binocular Night Vision Device-Fused (BNVD-F) that integrates both image intensifiers and a thermal imaging sensor. Combining the power of thermal imaging with traditional night vision goggles, BNVD-F provides much greater situational awareness for Army aircrews, Andreyko said. “The Center is uniquely positioned with the necessary pieces — including S&T workforce, night vision technology expertise, test pilots, and aircraft — to address these challenges,” said Josh Moore, a deputy assistant director. “The team understands when there’s an additional capability the Army can provide quickly at a low cost to provide a significant increase in capability.” FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Aug. 21, 2025) — Army aircrews face challenging conditions to remain lethal and safe during night missions. To deliver solutions, the Army is leveraging researchers’ technical and operational expertise to maintain superior aviation performance. The Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center recognized a need from aviation crew chiefs, flight medics, door gunners and flight engineers for better night-vision goggles to improve situational awareness. Locating friendly and adversary personnel on the ground, avoiding obstacles in landing zones, and conducting medical evacuation operations are demanding tasks during night missions. C5ISR Center subject-matter experts have the experience and assets to solve the challenge as the R&D organization behind Army night-vision and thermal imaging technologies, according to branch chief Nick Andreyko. The Army started by collaborating with an industry partner to adapt the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular (ENVG-B), currently fielded to ground Soldiers, into a prototype suitable for aviation. Aviation specific engineering modifications were made to create the Binocular Night Vision Device-Fused (BNVD-F) that integrates both image intensifiers and a thermal imaging sensor. Combining the power of thermal imaging with traditional night vision goggles, BNVD-F provides much greater situational awareness for Army aircrews, Andreyko said. “The Center is uniquely positioned with the necessary pieces — including S&T workforce, night vision technology expertise, test pilots, and aircraft — to address these challenges,” said Josh Moore, a deputy assistant director. “The team understands when there’s an additional capability the Army can provide quickly at a low cost to provide a significant increase in capability.” TECHNOLOGY Greater Lethality Soldiers conduct test flights of the Binocular Night Vision Device-Fused during a night mission. The BNVD-F integrates both image intensifiers and a thermal imaging sensor. Combining the power of thermal imaging with traditional night vision goggles, BNVD-F provides much greater situational awareness for Army aircrews. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) TECHNOLOGY Greater Lethality Soldiers conduct test flights of the Binocular Night Vision Device-Fused during a night mission. The BNVD-F integrates both image intensifiers and a thermal imaging sensor. Combining the power of thermal imaging with traditional night vision goggles, BNVD-F provides much greater situational awareness for Army aircrews. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) ❮ ❯ From the inception of the concept, engineers worked with Army active-duty aviation units for direct feedback. They gained insights about what improvements Soldiers would like to see, what jobs they perform and how they use the equipment in the field. “Our in-house capabilities and experience are critical to complete the R&D cycle following work with the units,” Andreyko said. “C5ISR Center has test pilots who are former Army chief warrant officers, and owns a Black Hawk helicopter for test flights. Fort Belvoir’s Davison Army Airfield is in the perfect area where we can get urban and rural feedback on a single flight by doing a loop. These factors allow us to rapidly iterate for a quick turnaround time.” In addition, the C5ISR Center team traveled with a deploying Combat Aviation Brigade to conduct an operational assessment. “It’s very helpful for engineers to meet users in their environment to get feedback,” Andreyko said. “It’s also valuable for us to issue the goggles and do on-site training with Soldiers.” As the Air Force and Navy use a similar variant of the Black Hawk, C5ISR Center shares test reports and data, and vice versa, to save time and money as joint R&D efforts across rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. “Crews equipped with BNVD-F can offer a better set of ‘eyes’ to enhance Army aviation and MEDEVAC mission effectiveness as well as increase aircraft survivability by assisting pilots in obstacle and threat detection,” Moore said. “This is a prime example of how C5ISR Center can rapidly innovate a new capability for the Warfighter.” —————————— The U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence,

By Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs TECHNOLOGY Support Industrial Base C5ISR Center senior enlisted adviser Master Sgt. Arean Harbison demonstrates the Small Tactical Universal Battery at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in April 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Dan Lafontaine) TECHNOLOGY Greater Lethality C5ISR Center senior enlisted adviser Master Sgt. Arean Harbison demonstrates the Small Tactical Universal Battery at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in April 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Dan Lafontaine) TECHNOLOGY Government, Industry Partnerships C5ISR Center senior enlisted adviser Master Sgt. Arean Harbison demonstrates the Small Tactical Universal Battery at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in April 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Dan Lafontaine) TECHNOLOGY Support Industrial Base C5ISR Center senior enlisted adviser Master Sgt. Arean Harbison demonstrates the Small Tactical Universal Battery at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in April 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Dan Lafontaine) ❮ ❯ ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — To ease physical, cognitive and logistical burdens on Soldiers, the Army is transitioning to a family of standard batteries — for systems ranging from night-vision goggles to radios, GPS devices, weapons and more — in an effort led by Army research and industry collaboration. In partnership with OSD’s Operational Energy – Innovation Directorate, the Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center is working across industry and several DoD organizations on this effort. Advanced batteries are rapidly integrated with Solider-worn and -carried devices, bringing interoperability and ease of use to the battlefield. Prototypes addressing these demands are moving toward full-scale industrial production. “When the pace of Army modernization increases, we see the number of applications for rechargeable batteries going up significantly,” said Dr. Nathan Sharpes, a C5ISR Center research mechanical engineer. “As the new equipment is fielded, we want to work as early in its development as possible to make sure it will operate with our newest standard batteries.” The Army’s power solution for handheld, small form-factor devices is the newest standard battery, the Small Tactical Universal Battery, or STUB. STUB delivers eight sizes of batteries that share a common mechanical and electrical interface — the key to unlocking interoperability. Each battery size provides a different amount of energy, from which Soldiers could choose, depending on their mission needs. TECHNOLOGY Support Industrial Base C5ISR Center senior enlisted adviser Master Sgt. Arean Harbison demonstrates the Small Tactical Universal Battery at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in April 2025. (Photo Credit: Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs) TECHNOLOGY Government, Industry Partnerships C5ISR Center senior enlisted adviser Master Sgt. Arean Harbison demonstrates the Small Tactical Universal Battery at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in April 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Dan Lafontaine) TECHNOLOGY Greater Lethality C5ISR Center senior enlisted adviser Master Sgt. Arean Harbison demonstrates the Small Tactical Universal Battery at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in April 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Dan Lafontaine) ❮ ❯ The Center’s work also supports senior Army leadership’s priority of streamlining and simplifying logistics across the force. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll said “massive logistics convoys … are relics of the past” during congressional testimony in June. When a Soldier is on a mission carrying five different pieces of gear that each have a unique battery form factor, along with spares, there is extra weight and items to keep track of. “Any battery in the STUB family will be able to attach to any device designed for it because of the standard interface. Soldiers can focus more on their missions and less on which types of batteries and how many of each to carry,” Sharpes said. C5ISR Center senior enlisted adviser Master Sgt. Arean Harbison provides Soldier feedback to scientists and engineers developing new power technologies. “Standardizing the power type lets us achieve that long fight that we need to build the future,” Harbison said. “The STUB will be a better fix than what we’ve had in the past of resupplying batteries. Now we’re looking at potentially charging in the observation post and not needing resupply. To remain lethal, we need to sustain ourselves with additional power. Power becomes a form of lethality.” The C5ISR Center has partnered with three fellow DEVCOM centers — Armaments Center, Army Research Lab and Soldier Center — to develop and test STUB using their respective areas of expertise of weapons integration, advanced chemistry R&D and experimentation. Partnering early in development ensures both the batteries and systems they will power can be designed to be interoperable, rather than needing to make changes further along in the development cycle. C5ISR Center Senior Scientific Technical Manager for Power and Energy Marnie Bailey said the Army S&T community has been essential in leading the way to implementing standardized batteries. “DEVCOM scientists and engineers have overcome the technical hurdles to demonstrate that standardization and interoperability are possible,” Bailey said. “This research shows industry that adopting STUB to work with their equipment is the future of how the Army will power Solider-worn and -carried devices.” TECHNOLOGY Support Industrial Base C5ISR Center senior enlisted adviser Master Sgt. Arean Harbison demonstrates the Small Tactical Universal Battery at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in April 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Dan Lafontaine) TECHNOLOGY Government, Industry Partnerships C5ISR Center senior enlisted adviser Master Sgt. Arean Harbison demonstrates the Small Tactical Universal Battery at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in April 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Dan Lafontaine) TECHNOLOGY Greater Lethality C5ISR Center senior enlisted adviser Master Sgt. Arean Harbison demonstrates the Small Tactical Universal Battery at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in April 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Dan Lafontaine) TECHNOLOGY Support Industrial Base C5ISR Center senior enlisted adviser Master Sgt. Arean Harbison demonstrates the Small Tactical Universal Battery at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in April 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Dan Lafontaine) ❮ ❯ As the Army and industry have transitioned the project to the manufacturing phase, acquisition partners can now procure and integrate the batteries to power fielded systems. The Army is delivering standardized batteries

By Kyle Richardson, C5ISR Center Public Affairs TECHNOLOGY Increasing Soldiers’ survivability and lethality U.S. Army Stryker M1127 Reconnaissance Vehicles, assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, are staged to demonstrate anti-UAS capabilities during the static display portion of Project Flytrap 4.0 this past July. The Army is testing integrated laser defeat technology on its vehicles to enhance its defense against emerging threats. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alejandro Carrasquel) ❮ ❯ FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Like something out of a sci-fi movie, cutting edge lasers could instantaneously incapacitate and disrupt technology while presenting an equally grave danger to Soldiers’ safety on the battlefield. Thus, mitigating laser vulnerabilities is crucial across a multi-domain operational environment. Dating back to the 1980s, the U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center has established a longstanding legacy of safeguarding electro-optical sensors from laser-based threats, starting when such weapons emerged and began shifting how wars were fought. To help safeguard Soldiers and equipment, the C5ISR Center’s science and technology efforts have been integrated into multiple generations of Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems. These systems, which utilize sensors that detect infrared radiation and are leveraged across target acquisition, surveillance and low-visibility navigation, have helped ensure Warfighters maintain an operational capability against laser-enabled threats in all combat scenarios, increasing Soldiers’ survivability and lethality. The Center’s expertise and technical knowledge of Soldier protection systems have resulted in the establishment of specialized laboratories designed to assess laser effects, not only on individual components — such as sensors, optics, and coatings — but also on complete systems. “These laboratories, still located throughout C5ISR Center’s footprint, remain at the forefront of laser vulnerability testing,” said Jason Bias, C5ISR Center. “They continue to lead efforts in evaluating the impact of laser-based search systems, jamming technologies, and direct-damage laser weapons on electro-optical platforms. Our facilities continue to serve as the industry benchmark for laser survivability testing. We also support our partners by evaluating their systems and assisting in replicating test designs at their own sites.” Additionally, the Center serves as the certification authority for its program manager, PM, partners, ensuring systems transition seamlessly to programs of record. The center also validates industry-replicated test configurations to ensure all production systems meet the required protection standards before deployment. Leveraging a deep understanding of sensor vulnerabilities to laser threats, the C5ISR Center develops advanced materials and engineers tailored protective components across all operational wavebands utilized by U.S. military systems. “We work in close coordination with system integration divisions and PM partners to ensure these protection solutions are effectively incorporated into emerging platforms — balancing survivability, affordability and performance,” said Bias. “Our technical leadership in the development of these protective components has positioned the center as the trusted subject matter expert for PMs procuring systems that incorporate a diverse array of laser protection technologies developed in-house.” As the Army’s sole remaining science and technology developer focused on protection against laser weapons, the C5ISR Center plays a critical role in informing both Army stakeholders and industry partners on available technologies and emerging threats identified through the intelligence community. The center’s agile development approach allows technology experts to adapt protection solutions to new platforms and sensor configurations. The center recently delivered a cost-effective protection solution in response to evolving threats. The effort not only met and exceeded all program metrics, but it also enabled broader application of a short-wave infrared sensor protection across multiple systems. Additionally, in response to the growing use of unmanned aerial systems and counter-UAS platforms, the center has rapidly adapted existing technologies to deliver effective laser protection for these emerging domains. “The C5ISR Center is focused on sustaining support for both current and emerging platform requirements — such as UAS protection and counter-UAS capabilities — while continuing to transition advanced protection technologies to the field,” said Bias. “To stay ahead of evolving threats, we are preparing for the next generation of laser weapons, including ultra-short pulsed laser systems.” These threats pose unique challenges due to their physical interactions with optical components and will necessitate a fundamental shift in protection strategies, rather than incremental improvements. Addressing this challenge will require sustained research, experimentation, and the development of novel techniques guided by a deliberate, multi-year technology development roadmap. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ The U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center is the Army’s applied research and advanced technology development center for C5ISR capabilities. As the Army’s primary integrator of C5ISR technologies and systems, DEVCOM C5ISR Center supports our networked Warfighters by identifying, developing, maturing, and rapidly integrating innovative technologies to drive continuous transformation. DEVCOM C5ISR Center is an asset of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. DEVCOM is Army Futures Command’s leader and integrator within a global ecosystem of scientific exploration and technological innovation. DEVCOM expertise spans eight major competency areas to provide integrated research, development, analysis and engineering support to the Army and DOD. From rockets to robots, drones to dozers, and aviation to artillery – DEVCOM innovation is at the core of the combat capabilities American Warfighters need to win on the battlefield of the future. For more information, visit c5isrcenter.devcom.army.mil/.

By Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs TECHNOLOGY faster, more accurate decision-making A 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Soldier experiments with an unmanned aerial system during Project Convergence Capstone 5 at Fort Irwin, California. Army researchers are aiming to deliver aided target recognition to UAS, speeding up squad target detection on the battlefield and increasing Soldier lethality. (Photo Credit: Konrad Woo, C5ISR Center) TECHNOLOGY Soldier Feedback A 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Soldier experiments with an unmanned aerial system during Project Convergence Capstone 5 at Fort Irwin, California. Army researchers are aiming to deliver aided target recognition to UAS, speeding up squad target detection on the battlefield and increasing Soldier lethality. (Photo Credit: Konrad Woo, C5ISR Center) ❮ ❯ FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Aug. 11, 2025) — Army researchers are aiming to deliver aided target recognition to unmanned aerial systems, speeding up squad target detection on the battlefield and increasing Soldier lethality. With current systems, Soldiers manually monitor a UAS video feed, searching through large areas of terrain and obstacles for extended periods of time in a quickly moving, dynamic environment. Now, DoD scientists and engineers are integrating autonomy and threat detection to bring new capabilities for small organic Army UAS. The Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency have led R&D to bring new technology to Soldiers since 2019 with a specific focus on small UAS. “The primary goal is to provide autonomy at the squad level by using high-level autonomous behaviors like Smart Search, which enables autonomous area searching, target detection, and the ability to track and follow high-priority targets,” said Mathew Wilson, the program’s lead at C5ISR Center. “Soldiers will have greater lethality, survivability and maneuverability.” Placing UAS into the hands of Soldiers for AiTR is breaking ground in DoD research, which previously focused on Army ground platforms, Wilson said. The Army’s goals are to reduce Soldier fatigue, improve situational awareness, and enable faster, more accurate decision-making, Wilson said. “C5ISR Center is expanding on the foundation of our extensive AiTR expertise. UAS have new capabilities as the system processes vast amounts of information for Soldiers into actionable ISR data. Removing the need to manually control UAS while automatically detecting and relaying threat information to the Squad keeps more Soldiers in the fight,” Wilson said. TECHNOLOGY faster, more accurate decision-making 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division experiments with an unmanned aerial system during Project Convergence Capstone 5 at Fort Irwin, California. Army researchers are aiming to deliver aided target recognition to UAS, speeding up squad target detection on the battlefield and increasing Soldier lethality. (Photo Credit: Konrad Woo, C5ISR Center) TECHNOLOGY faster, more accurate decision-making 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division experiments with an unmanned aerial system during Project Convergence Capstone 5 at Fort Irwin, California. Army researchers are aiming to deliver aided target recognition to UAS, speeding up squad target detection on the battlefield and increasing Soldier lethality. (Photo Credit: Konrad Woo, C5ISR Center) ❮ ❯ FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Aug. 11, 2025) — Army researchers are aiming to deliver aided target recognition to unmanned aerial systems, speeding up squad target detection on the battlefield and increasing Soldier lethality. With current systems, Soldiers manually monitor a UAS video feed, searching through large areas of terrain and obstacles for extended periods of time in a quickly moving, dynamic environment. Now, DoD scientists and engineers are integrating autonomy and threat detection to bring new capabilities for small organic Army UAS. The Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency have led R&D to bring new technology to Soldiers since 2019 with a specific focus on small UAS. “The primary goal is to provide autonomy at the squad level by using high-level autonomous behaviors like Smart Search, which enables autonomous area searching, target detection, and the ability to track and follow high-priority targets,” said Mathew Wilson, the program’s lead at C5ISR Center. “Soldiers will have greater lethality, survivability and maneuverability.” Placing UAS into the hands of Soldiers for AiTR is breaking ground in DoD research, which previously focused on Army ground platforms, Wilson said. The Army’s goals are to reduce Soldier fatigue, improve situational awareness, and enable faster, more accurate decision-making, Wilson said. “C5ISR Center is expanding on the foundation of our extensive AiTR expertise. UAS have new capabilities as the system processes vast amounts of information for Soldiers into actionable ISR data. Removing the need to manually control UAS while automatically detecting and relaying threat information to the Squad keeps more Soldiers in the fight,” Wilson said. In-house DoD R&D brings subject-matter experts and Soldiers together during experimentation events for direct feedback, leading to continued improvements. During Project Convergence Capstone 5, the system allowed forward observers to autonomously search beyond line-of-sight for potential threats. Squad leader Sgt. Brian Ward, of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, gave positive feedback on AiTR testing during PC C5. “If someone has issues trying to find targets or personnel, it’s circling and tracking as they move,” Ward said. “It’s a game changer. If it can detect more targets, the better, especially if you can choose which one to nominate and call for engagement.” The system populates the data on a common operating picture using existing Army infrastructure — Android Tactical Assault Kit and Nett Warrior device — to avoid the need to field additional software and hardware. The ATAK interface allows command and control of the UAS’ autonomous behaviors. “The UAS automatically launched, traversed to the area of interest, autonomously searched and passed back detected targets without any further human interaction. Since AiTR has not yet been fielded, automatically detecting potential threats was a huge hit,” Wilson said. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ The U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center is the Army’s applied research and advanced technology development center for C5ISR capabilities. As the Army’s primary integrator of C5ISR technologies and systems, DEVCOM C5ISR Center supports our networked Warfighters by

By Kyle Richardson, CISR Center Public Affairs TECHNOLOGY mission-focused solutions U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Laux, assigned to 3rd Platoon, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, receives instruction on operating a Night Fighter portable electronic jamming device from a British soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, Royal Yorkshire Regiment. Project Flytrap is part of a series of counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) training events conducted by soldiers from the U.S. and U.K. to test new technologies and tactics. Results from Project Flytrap will inform the way the U.S., allies, and partners fight on the modern battlefield. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Sauders/Released) (Staff Sgt. Christopher Saunders) ❮ ❯ FORT BELVOIR, Va. (August 2025)— Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), also commonly known as drones, have significantly evolved over the last decade of large-scale combat operations—transitioning from simple reconnaissance tools to complex weapon systems. Today’s soldiers are seeing how UAS play an increasingly pivotal and multifaceted role in contemporary conflicts and how they will serve as critical enablers to the future warfare. With UAS applications spanning precision strike capabilities, electronic warfare, and swarm tactics, their implementation can influence military operations; significantly shaping both strategic decision-making and the broader trajectory of military engagements. This makes it more imperative for Army science and technology to narrow in on this rapidly changing threat. “The C5ISR [U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance] Center is directly providing rapid response counter-UAS solutions to soldiers at the border, deployed worldwide, and working with different industry-provided capabilities to ensure everything is properly integrated into a common command and control (C2) architecture, which is crucial against this threat,” said Kevin White, a C5ISR Center branch chief. The C5ISR Center possesses deep expertise in the development of compact, cost-effective, and high-performance laser protection solutions. The team has successfully transitioned numerous protection technologies to Army programs—capabilities that remain largely within the scope of government-exclusive research and development due to the absence of a commercial market. TECHNOLOGY mission-focused solutions U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, establish radio communications during Project Flytrap. Project Flytrap is part of a series of counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) training events conducted by soldiers from the U.S. and U.K. to test new technologies and tactics. Results from Project Flytrap will inform the way the U.S., allies, and partners fight on the modern battlefield. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Sauders/Released) (Staff Sgt. Christopher Saunders) ❮ ❯ The Center has made substantial investments in sensor protection technologies to ensure that sensors deployed on Army platforms can operate effectively in all environments. These efforts are driven by the growing global proliferation and sophistication of counter weapons systems. A growing number of countries are actively developing C-UAS capabilities, with leading efforts underway in the United States, China, Israel, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Russia. These advancements carry significant strategic implications for a much broader global security landscape. “Our foremost objective is to develop and deliver innovative protection technologies that significantly enhance the survivability and lethality of our UAS,” said Jason Bias, a C5ISR Center branch chief. “By equipping them with advanced, reliable, and mission-focused solutions, we aim to provide a decisive advantage on the battlefield—ensuring they are better protected, more effective, and prepared to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare.” How will this potentially impact the C5ISR Center’s UAS programs? One critical area will be in GPS denied arenas, where reliance on visual cues, sensors, and sophisticated sensor fusion algorithms. If the sensors are rendered inoperable (Hard-Kill), or jammed (temporary sensor disruption), the UAS will no longer be operable. A second major area will be when Aided Target Detection and Recognition (AiTR) algorithms are utilized in UAS to enhance situational awareness, improving decision-making, and automating tasks that would otherwise require significant human effort. If they were not trained in data that is relevant to all aspects to the warfighters’ area of operations, this may significantly change the efficiency of the algorithms. As C-UAS technologies continue to evolve and reliance on sensor-driven capabilities in UAS, intensifies, ensuring sensor survivability is critical to mission success. Continued investment in sensor protection must remain synchronized with advancements in C-UAS weapon systems; any technological gap in this area could take years to close and pose significant operational risk. “To maintain operational superiority, we must proactively invest in technologies that protect our most critical assets,” said Bias. “Bridging the gap between evolving threats and defensive capabilities is not just strategic—it’s essential. Any delay in closing these gaps could cost us years in readiness and expose our forces to unacceptable risks.” The U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center is the Army’s applied research and advanced technology development center for C5ISR capabilities. As the Army’s primary integrator of C5ISR technologies and systems, DEVCOM C5ISR Center supports our networked Warfighters by identifying, developing, maturing, and rapidly integrating innovative technologies to drive continuous transformation. DEVCOM C5ISR Center is an asset of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. DEVCOM is Army Futures Command’s leader and integrator within a global ecosystem of scientific exploration and technological innovation. DEVCOM expertise spans eight major competency areas to provide integrated research, development, analysis and engineering support to the Army and DOD. From rockets to robots, drones to dozers, and aviation to artillery – DEVCOM innovation is at the core of the combat capabilities American Warfighters need to win on the battlefield of the future. For more information, visit c5isrcenter.devcom.army.mil/.

By Kyle Richardson, C5ISR Center Public Affairs TECHNOLOGY autonomous mine detection Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) assigned to the U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center, test threat detection technologies while performing a thorough scan of an area. The soldiers tested a quadruped robot, a handheld mine detector, and a small Unmanned Aircraft System, which are used with the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) and the Integrated Visual Augmentation System to thoroughly scan an area for threats, and display relevant detections during an exercise in Fort Belvoir, VA. Such events enable NCOs and engineers to test equipment in a near-real-world environment, gathering essential data on emerging technologies that will benefit current and future Warfighters. These efforts directly contribute to increasing Soldier safety and accelerating the Army’s modernization priorities. Through innovative multi-domain technology integration, the Countermine Division is strengthening the Army’s ability to detect and neutralize threats more effectively, ensuring Soldiers can operate safely across any battlespace. (U.S. Army photo by John ❮ ❯ FORT BELVOIR, Va. — For nearly two centuries, explosive hazards, EH, have plagued the battlespace and posed a significant threat to our warfighters. During Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, EH were a primary threat to vehicles and a chief source of Warfighter casualties. Today, that threat has evolved and includes notably more complex and lethal systems, such as sophisticated new top-attack EH. Such threats demand a modern response and solution. By integrating advanced sensor technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning the U.S. Army’s countermine mission has entered a new era — an era defined by greater survivability, situational awareness, enhanced operational speed, accuracy, and safety. The U.S. Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center is at the forefront of change where mine-detection innovation meets the battlefield. The collaboration between scientists, engineers, technical experts and Soldiers creates a unique opportunity for hands-on technology development and direct Soldier feedback. Across the Army, traditional mine detection is often manual and can put Soldiers very close to harm’s way. However, with the implementation of advanced sensor technology, robotic platforms, and AI-powered systems operated at a distance, warfighters can autonomously detect mines and other threats while maintaining safe standoff distances from the explosives. “If you’re looking at what C5ISR Center is doing with Strykers, we’re taking a system that has great armor, but limited visibility, limited situational awareness, and we’re integrating new sensors across it so that Soldiers can see threats 360 degrees around the vehicle, in the daytime or at night,” said Collin Bright, a research engineer with C5ISR Center. TECHNOLOGY better situational awareness Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) assigned to the U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center, test threat detection technologies while performing a thorough scan of an area during an exercise at Fort Belvoir, VA. The soldiers practiced using a quadruped robot, a handheld mine detector, and a small Unmanned Aircraft System , which are used with the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) and the Integrated Visual Augmentation System to thoroughly scan an area for threats. These efforts directly contribute to increasing Soldier safety and accelerating the Army’s modernization priorities. (U.S. Army photo by John G. Martinez/Released) (John G. Martinez) ❮ ❯ The C5ISR Center’s Countermine team incorporated advanced detection capabilities into thermal sensors that C5ISR integrated into a Stryker, giving Soldiers increased visibility into hidden dangers. By leveraging AI and ML software and technology, these integrations will significantly increase Soldiers’ reaction time and ultimately increase their survivability. “The C5ISR Center has integrated a Stryker with thermal capabilities,” said Sierra Pangilinan, a computer scientist with C5ISR Center. “By integrating the Stryker with this technology, it’s like giving Soldiers an extra set of eyes. Especially when they’re tired. Soldiers can work a 24-or-48-hour or more mission. These tools ensure they’re still protected and aware.” As the complexities of battle continue to grow across even more unpredictable terrains, the need for flexible and adaptable, soldier-centric technology becomes imperative. The C5ISR Center represents Army innovation and a peek at the future with — software and sensors that adapt to any platform, algorithms that improve with every mission, and most importantly, a system that puts soldier survivability at the center of every design. “The goal is to move away from World War II-era methods,” said Pangilinan. “Now, we’re applying agile development, scalable platforms, and machine learning to build tools that not only win wars — but save lives.” TECHNOLOGY increased survivability Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) assigned to the U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center, test threat detection technologies while performing a thorough scan of an area. A quadruped robot, a handheld mine detector, and a small Unmanned Aircraft System are used with the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) and the Integrated Visual Augmentation System to thoroughly scan an area for threats, and display relevant detections during an exercise at Fort Belvoir, VA. These efforts directly contribute to increasing Soldier safety and accelerating the Army’s modernization priorities. (U.S. Army photo by John G. Martinez/Released) (John G. Martinez) ❮ ❯ Staff Sgt. Christopher Miller, a combat engineer assigned to C5ISR Center, emphasized the importance of the Center’s innovation and technological advancements which assist with the execution of missions. “We’re no longer dismounting blind,” Miller said. “With 360-degree cameras and AI threat tagging, we know what’s outside before that ramp drops. That gives us the edge — whether it’s returning fire or avoiding landmines. Without the technology, you can only hope that your intel is spot-on.” In addition to saving the lives of Soldiers, the center is focused on saving lives long after a war or conflict ends. Unfortunately, mines don’t disappear after a conflict, so having the detection technology available post-conflict is crucial. “The passion behind the mission is shared across military, civilian and contractor teams,” Bright said. “Everybody here — from senior scientists to interns — believes in what we’re doing. “And when you see your work directly contributing to Soldiers coming home safely, it’s not just

By Justin Eimers, C5ISR Center Public Affairs TECHNOLOGY Operational Feedback C5ISR Center personnel conduct testing during Network Modernization Experimentation at Joint Base Mc-Guire-Dix-Lakehurst in July 2024. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sam Brooks) TECHNOLOGY Operational Feedback C5ISR Center personnel conduct testing during Network Modernization Experimentation at Joint Base Mc-Guire-Dix-Lakehurst in July 2024. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Dan Lafontaine) ❮ ❯ ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The Army’s Next Generation Command and Control program, otherwise known as NGC2, is forging a novel approach to how Soldiers access, share and utilize information. Historically, C2 systems have been designed for discrete functions with underlying architectures that stovepipe data based on warfighting functions and network configurations, leaving limited options to get data to the point of need in a denied, degraded, intermittent or low-bandwidth environment. So how is the Army’s network adapting to support the demands of NGC2 and modern warfare? Enter software-defined networking. “NGC2 requires an intelligent network capable of rapidly adapting to mission needs,” said Dr. John Franklin, a division chief within the U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center. “[Software-defined networking] — a flexible, programmable and adaptive network architecture — is essential to realizing that goal.” Traditional architectures can’t keep up with the increasing demand for networked devices on the battlefield and the need for rapid network reconfiguration to support new missions. Software-defined networking, or SDN, dynamically orchestrates network traffic, prioritizes data and adapts in real-time, enabling autonomous systems, multi-domain formations and edge-connected sensors. SDN’s automation shifts tactical complexity away from Soldiers by reducing configuration burdens at the edge while enabling resilience in denied or degraded environments. TECHNOLOGY Technical Expertise C5ISR Center personnel conduct testing during Network Modernization Experimentation at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in July 2024. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Dan Lafontaine) TECHNOLOGY Technical Expertise Army C5ISR Center personnel demonstrate the Ground-based Multi-Mission Payload proof-of-concept prototype at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in April 2026. The technology includes a suite of hardware and AI-enabled software with advanced sensors, which has been outfitted onto a variety of ground vehicles and robotic platforms. (Photo Credit: Dan Lafontaine). ❮ ❯ The C5ISR Center has been at the leading edge of SDN capability development through several science and technology efforts, which have supported experimentation at Project Convergence and the Network Modernization Experiment, or NetModX, for the last several years. But delivering this capability requires more than new technology. It demands an open, collaborative approach between government and industry while leveraging agile acquisition. “Only through open, adaptable interfaces shaped by both communities can we ensure interoperability, accelerate integration, and avoid the pitfalls of closed, monolithic solutions,” said Franklin. As a DOD Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory, the C5ISR Center is well-positioned to partner with industry on experimentation and validation of open SDN approaches. Efforts are being developed in partnership with industry that advance AI-driven control mechanisms and allow networks to anticipate disruptions and adapt proactively. Through venues like NetModX and a robust lab infrastructure including the Combined Joint Systems Integration Lab, the Center supports testing of SDN technologies under realistic, mission-relevant conditions. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ The U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center is the Army’s applied research and advanced technology development center for C5ISR capabilities. As the Army’s primary integrator of C5ISR technologies and systems, DEVCOM C5ISR Center supports our networked Warfighters by identifying, developing, maturing, and rapidly integrating innovative technologies to drive continuous transformation. DEVCOM C5ISR Center is an asset of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. DEVCOM is Army Futures Command’s leader and integrator within a global ecosystem of scientific exploration and technological innovation. DEVCOM expertise spans eight major competency areas to provide integrated research, development, analysis and engineering support to the Army and DOD. From rockets to robots, drones to dozers, and aviation to artillery – DEVCOM innovation is at the core of the combat capabilities American Warfighters need to win on the battlefield of the future. For more information, visit c5isrcenter.devcom.army.mil.

By Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs TECHNOLOGY optimize energy resources C5ISR Center personnel research the Operational Energy Data Bridge program at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in July 2025. (Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs) TECHNOLOGY optimize energy resources C5ISR Center personnel research the Operational Energy Data Bridge program at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in July 2025. (Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs) TECHNOLOGY extend operational reach C5ISR Center personnel research the Operational Energy Data Bridge program at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in July 2025. (Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs) TECHNOLOGY extend operational reach C5ISR Center personnel research the Operational Energy Data Bridge program at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in July 2025. (Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs) ❮ ❯ ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (July 22, 2025) — Power and energy are foundational to tactical lethality and operational success. Soldiers require real-time energy data visibility across the battlespace to fight and win during Transformation in Contact. Army researchers are creating tools to deliver capabilities at the tactical edge. Teams throughout the Army are combining their technical expertise in operational energy, satellite communications, tactical networks and mission-command applications to effectively deploy energy resources for Soldiers through the movement of data. The Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center leverages technical teams across researchers, acquisition, and operational units to deliver solutions to Soldiers in the Operational Energy Data Bridge program, according to Frank W. Bohn, an electronics engineer with the Center. “Soldiers will be able to view the battlespace through an energy lens to predict fuel and battery shortages, lower sustainment burden, as well as prioritize power to the most critical systems during limited supply. In turn, this energy data optimizes resource allocation, extends operational reach, combat endurance, and increases overall lethality. Commanders can change battlefield plans based on energy available to accomplish the mission,” Bohn said. TECHNOLOGY technical expertise C5ISR Center personnel research the Operational Energy Data Bridge program at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in July 2025. (Photo Credit: Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs) TECHNOLOGY technical expertise C5ISR Center personnel research the Operational Energy Data Bridge program at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in July 2025. (Photo Credit: Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs) TECHNOLOGY technical expertise C5ISR Center personnel research the Operational Energy Data Bridge program at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in July 2025. (Photo Credit: Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs) ❮ ❯ The Army will collect and aggregate operational energy data at points of generation and leverage Next Generation Command and Control, known as NGC2, data layer to make power data available to Soldiers across echelons for real-time situational awareness through programs such as Project Odin. This is all underpinned by the data generation capabilities of intelligent power equipment and the Tactical Microgrid Communications and Control Standard (MIL-STD 3071). OEDB will also develop power overlays in the Tactical Assault Kit, known as TAK, which is a map-based software application that provides information feeds, analytics and visualizations of the battlefield to inform decision-making. Beyond NGC2 integration, this effort looks to inform data standardization on the Integrated Data Environment. The Center is working with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Energy Resilience and Optimization) Operational Energy-Innovation Directorate and aligns to the energy dominance priority of the Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund. “C5ISR Center’s decades of experience and subject-matter expertise across engineering disciplines in battlefield power management systems — such as generators, energy storage, controls, and optimization — enable the Army, and uniquely C5ISR Center, to bring these capabilities to Soldiers,” said branch chief Mike Gonzalez. ——————————————————— The U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center is the Army’s applied research and advanced technology development center for C5ISR capabilities. As the Army’s primary integrator of C5ISR technologies and systems, DEVCOM C5ISR Center supports our networked Warfighters by identifying, developing, maturing, and rapidly integrating innovative technologies to drive continuous transformation. DEVCOM C5ISR Center is an asset of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. DEVCOM is Army Futures Command’s leader and integrator within a global ecosystem of scientific exploration and technological innovation. DEVCOM expertise spans eight major competency areas to provide integrated research, development, analysis and engineering support to the Army and DOD. From rockets to robots, drones to dozers, and aviation to artillery – DEVCOM innovation is at the core of the combat capabilities American Warfighters need to win on the battlefield of the future. For more information, visit c5isrcenter.devcom.army.mil.

By Kyle Richardson, C5ISR Center Public Affairs TECHNOLOGY cutting-edge sensor r&d Researchers use a Rydberg spectrum analyzer experimental apparatus at the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory. The Rydberg spectrum analyzer can analyze the full spectrum of radio frequencies and real-world signals, ultimately increasing potential for Soldier communications, spectrum awareness, and electronic warfare. (Courtesy photo) ❮ ❯ FORT BELVOIR, Va. — As people travel, it’s second nature to utilize GPS. However, what happens when GPS is not an option? For the Army, the answer is quantum technology. The U.S. Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center has partnered with industry leaders and Army Research Laboratory to advance the Army’s quantum sensing efforts. Technical experts with the C5ISR Center believe quantum technologies such as quantum sensing will benefit the Army — enhancing capabilities in the critical mission areas of ISR; communications; logistics; biomedical imaging; and positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). Quantum sensing can also augment or improve GPS, especially in environments where GPS is denied. So, what is quantum sensing? “Quantum sensing is technology that utilizes atomic interactions to detect miniscule changes in electric and magnetic fields, light and even gravity with higher sensitivity and accuracy than traditional sensors,” said Jayson Foster, C5ISR Center’s Quantum Sensing project lead. The Army needs continual technological advancements to maintain its operational superiority and to out-pace near-peer adversaries. Quantum sensing can provide that technological edge, Foster said. Quantum sensing can offer several advantages for the Army in many tactical environments that use the radio spectrum by expanding coverage and the effective range of Army systems — all from a significantly reduced footprint. Electromagnetic warfare, command and control communications and ISR are all mission sets with capabilities that could benefit from the technological advancements of quantum sensors. “Our program is very specifically focused on novel technologies for radio receivers, which we hope will lead to capability increases in range for radio communication and the ability to exert control over the entire frequency spectrum,” Foster said. “Quantum technology will help us see further, see more, and be able to locate targets with incredible precision. This will allow our Soldiers to operate safely outside the range of enemy systems to perform their missions.” The C5ISR Center collaborates with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and other federally funded research and development centers. The goal is to help guide government and industry investments based on Army requirements and capability gaps. These partnerships can help to better align technology focus areas, ensuring the dominance of Army capabilities by creating, integrating, and delivering tech-enabled solutions to warfighters. “C5ISR Center provides the venue and technical expertise for operationally relevant experimentation events for government and industry to test state-of-the-art technology in realistic operational and electromagnetic environments,” Foster said. “Quantum sensing has already changed how the military functions. Quantum sensing has changed life expectancy via medical imaging. In almost every fundamental measurement quantity, quantum sensors are the highest performance and most accurate for frequency, time, magnetism, gravity and force measurements.” The Center has published and distributed experimentational results for quantum sensors. These results have informed programs across the DoD and government. The C5ISR Center will demonstrate a quantum sensor proof-of-concept prototype in fiscal year 2026. “The Center will continue help mature this technology to quickly to get it in the hands of Soldiers,” Foster said. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ The U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center is the Army’s applied research and advanced technology development center for C5ISR capabilities. As the Army’s primary integrator of C5ISR technologies and systems, DEVCOM C5ISR Center supports our networked Warfighters by identifying, developing, maturing, and rapidly integrating innovative technologies to drive continuous transformation. DEVCOM C5ISR Center is an asset of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. DEVCOM is Army Futures Command’s leader and integrator within a global ecosystem of scientific exploration and technological innovation. DEVCOM expertise spans eight major competency areas to provide integrated research, development, analysis and engineering support to the Army and DOD. From rockets to robots, drones to dozers, and aviation to artillery – DEVCOM innovation is at the core of the combat capabilities American Warfighters need to win on the battlefield of the future. For more information, visit c5isrcenter.devcom.army.mil.