USSOCOM outlines acquisition priorities for FY2026
Airman assigned to the 320th Special Tactics Squadron. (Photo: US Air Force)
The service is seeking all-domain autonomous and counter-robotic solutions as well as deep sensing and assured access technologies.
The US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has disclosed details of its procurement priorities for the next fiscal year. Focused on great power conflict and multidomain scenarios, the branch intends to acquire innovative capabilities to be deployed in contested and congested environments.
Although it has not unveiled its FY2026 budget request yet, the service is interested in continually purchasing robotic and counter-robotic solutions in addition to deep sensing and assured access technologies.
Speaking in a recent hearing at the House Armed Services Committee, USSOCOM commander Gen Bryan P. Fenton explained that this approach reflected rapid modifications on the battlefield with a
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
Peru’s air combat modernisation effort opens up $2.5 billion market opportunity
The latest purchase of F-16V combat aircraft comes as the country presses ahead with its long-held plans to modernise its air combat capabilities and invest in the replacement of ageing Russian aircraft.
-
Optimism remains for GCAP and FCAS future despite programme stumbling blocks
Both sixth-generation combat aircraft programmes are still awaiting major key decisions from respective governments with regards to funding or future direction, but industry and governmental officials remain optimistic of progress going forward.
-
SOF Week 2026: US Army to conduct trials with Mountain Horse’s containerised drone launcher
The Mountain Horse Containerised Autonomous Drone Delivery System has been engineered for dispersed, forward UAV operations. It can store, protect, charge, launch and recover drones.
-
SOF Week 2026: AFSOC unveils deployable Block II OA-1K Skyraider II
AFSOC has revealed a new Block II variant of the OA-1K Skyraider II featuring rapid deployment and reassembly capabilities designed to support expeditionary special operations missions.
-
British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system
The UK MoD said it would narrow down the competitors from four to two later in the year, with those selected going on to develop the prototype drone that will operate as loyal wingman to the British Army’s Apache AH-64E helicopters.
-
UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity
The UH-60M is the latest variant of the UH-60, a workhorse multirole helicopter that continues to attract further orders from across the globe. With further modernisation upgrades underway, the platform is expected to remain in operation until 2050.
