Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER)

Known as the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) is a part of the Department of the Air Force's efforts to facilitate rapid modernization of the force. The RDER initiative, established in the Defense Planning Guidance for Fiscal Years 2023-2027, aims to encourage multi-component experimentation through a campaign of learning. It involves identifying best of breed” capabilities developed among the DoD prototyping programs and executing approved projects through large-scale, cross-service experiments to refine and validate the Joint Warfighting Concept (JWC). The program is executed within Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P), as it involves evaluating integrated technologies, representative modes, or prototype systems in a high-fidelity and realistic operating environment.

The specific goals of the RDER program include implementing multiple RDER experimentation series through Service-nominated projects with execution timelines ranging from one to two years. The program aims to review project progress annually and recommend new focus areas to quickly incorporate promising innovative prototypes into experiments while promptly terminating projects that fail to meet expectations. Additionally, RDER efforts are designed to validate required capabilities enabling the JWC by evaluating and integrating prototyped technologies in operationally relevant, multi-domain environments. The program also seeks to facilitate Joint Staff analysis in evaluating the Joint Warfighting Concept, assist in requirements determination, and inform budget decisions throughout the Department. Specific planned programs for FY 2023 include projects such as VADR, TURUL, Global Thunder, and classified efforts aimed at developing advanced technologies and solutions aligned with the program's objectives.