Geopolitical Chaos and Strategic Competition with China Lead to a New Era in Defense Investments
This study examines the US Army's modernization efforts by analyzing official strategy documents, the 2023 Nation Defense Authorization Act, public statements made by senior decision makers, development programs, and contractual trends that comprise the Army’s modernization efforts. Thirty-six months ago, the Army established a four-star command in Austin, Texas, named the US Army Futures Command.
By incentivizing future technologies and capabilities, the Command will allow the Army to maintain a competitive edge on the battlefield. Futures Command established cross-functional teams of experts (military, civilian, and contractor) from each warfighting function to accomplish the Army’s modernization objectives.
General officers who lead the cross-functional teams are subject matter experts and C-suite executive leaders in their respective fields. During the last year, the US Army has made considerable progress in identifying and refining future requirements. By examining related public statements, reviewing documents, and assessing the operational environment, this report discusses several opportunities to pursue continued growth.
Table of Contents
1. Strategic Imperatives
- Why is it Increasingly Difficult to Grow?
- The Strategic Imperative 8™
- The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the US Army Primary Combat Systems
- Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine™
2. Growth Opportunity Analysis
- Purpose and Overview
- Primary Growth Drivers
- Restraints
- Related Contracts and Programs
- Long-Range Precision Fires
- Air and Missile Defense
- Future Vertical Lift
- Soldier Lethality
- Next-generation Combat Vehicles
- Networking Technologies
- Assured Positioning Navigation and Timing
- Synthetic Training Environments
3. Growth Opportunity Universe
- Growth Opportunity 1: Long-Range Precision Fires
- Growth Opportunity 2: Air and Missile Defense
- Growth Opportunity 3: Future Vertical Lift
- Growth Opportunity 4: Soldier Lethality
- Growth Opportunity 5: Next-Generation Combat Vehicle
- Growth Opportunity 6: Networking Technologies
- Growth Opportunity 7: Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing
- Growth Opportunity 8: Synthetic Training Environments
- Key Takeaways
- Legal Disclaimer
