The Navy disclosed today its fiscal year 2018 supplemental request includes $37.2 million in wartime funding for three counter-unmanned aerial system projects.
The bulk of the request, or $29.7 million, would fund the Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare project. JCREW enhanced performance is required to compete with the evolving C-UAS threat, the service writes in an updated budget justification requirements book.
Another project, Combating Irregular and Expeditionary Challenges, is a rapid capabilities development project focused on C-UAS prototypes. The Navy is requesting $5.4 million in wartime funding for the effort.
"This includes developing small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) precision strike capabilities to counter enemy modified small drone systems and improve [Naval Special Warfare] tactical edge in the near-peer and counter-terrorism fight," according to the document.
The service requests $2.1 million in wartime funding for the third project, MK 38 MOD 2 Machine Gun System upgrades.
"Fielding is planned to start [first quarter] FY20. Efforts will include software improvements to the optics and fire control capabilities of the MK 38 Machine Gun System in order to be able to detect, track, and engage UAS threats," according to the budget justification document.