Army modernization programs are gaining momentum as the service works to build the Army of 2030 and beyond, a senior Army leader said. 

“We are in the process of developing new systems we're now delivering today, like [Joint Light Tactical Vehicles] and Integrated Air and Missile Defense,” Army Undersecretary Gabe Camarillo said during the 2023 Defense News Conference. “Now you see a lot of momentum with programs that are … making that transition to the next phase.” 

But as it modernizes, the Army is balancing priorities like delivering long-range precision fires and developing a next-generation combat vehicle with potential budget cuts, Camarillo said. 

“The only certainty we [have] about fiscal year 2025 and … the budget is we've got to contend … with the deal on the budget caps,” he said. “I can assure you, [Army Secretary Christine Wormuth] and myself are making a very vigorous case for investment in all areas … of the Army where we’re going to need it.” 

Camarillo praised the Army’s cross-functional teams, which work to develop and advance the Army’s modernization priorities. “Whether it’s programs that have gone from prototyping to production, or it’s systems that are quickly developing prototypes that we can put … in the hands of soldiers,” these cross-functional teams have “begun to develop some momentum,” he said. 

As the Army continues its work, Camarillo said that timelines for some modernization programs may shift. “I think if you don't see any [changes in timing] you’re probably not taking on enough challenges in terms of what you’re designing and what you’re trying to develop for our warfighters,” he said. “I really think that we’re … seeing a ... bit of a renaissance … in terms of our ability to stick the landing on these programs.”