US Special Operations Command sets out tech priorities
USSOCOM continues to work with Anduril as its C-UAS integration partner. (Photo: Anduril)
Senior USSOCOM leaders highlight counter-UAS, tactical mobility and the need for a sophisticated common operating picture as priorities for US special forces.
Senior leadership across US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) disclosed some of their most pressing technology demands at the annual SOFIC event in Tampa, Florida, two weeks ago.
USSOCOM’s Acquisition Executive, Jim Smith, described how the command must become an ‘early adopter of new capabilities’ regarding ‘priorities for today’.
Areas of interest announced by Smith included the Air Force Special Operations Command’s (AFSOC’s) ongoing Armed Overwatch programme, and counter-UAS (C-UAS) work being led by Anduril, USSOCOM’s systems integration partner (SIP) in this area.
Regarding ongoing C-UAS developments, Smith explained to delegates: ‘The services [army, navy and air force] are working on large
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Defence Notes
-
![What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?]()
What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?
NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
-
![Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet]()
Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet
Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
-
![UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens]()
UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raises defence spending, while both NATO and President Trump demand significant further increases.
-
![Ukraine leads the way on battlefield use of directed energy weapons]()
Ukraine leads the way on battlefield use of directed energy weapons
Increased drone use in Ukraine and in Middle Eastern conflicts has created a strong impetus to develop laser and radio-frequency firepower as exploration of direct-energy technology intensifies.
-
![Saudi Arabia eyes large procurement spend as it boosts 2025 defence budget to $78 billion]()
Saudi Arabia eyes large procurement spend as it boosts 2025 defence budget to $78 billion
The new figure is an increase from US$75.8 billion in 2024 and showcases the country’s focus on its Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve a diversified and sustainable economy, reducing the Kingdom’s dependency on oil.
-
![Broad demand for land and technology equipment boosts defence companies’ financial results]()
Broad demand for land and technology equipment boosts defence companies’ financial results
Financial reporting season for the calendar year of 2024 has continued to show substantial growth for defence companies as countries across the world, particularly those in Europe, open the chequebook.
