// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Modular Open Systems Approach
A design strategy for military systems that uses interchangeable components and openly published standards. This approach makes it easier to upgrade, maintain, and adapt technology quickly without being tied to a single vendor.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) is a Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition and design strategy emphasizing the use of non-proprietary, widely supported interface standards to facilitate interoperability, rapid technology insertion, and cost-effective sustainment across defense systems, critical for unmanned platforms and autonomous capabilities.
BACKGROUND
The XM17 Modular Handgun System (MHS) competition was a United States Army and United States Air Force competition for a new service pistol. The Modular Handgun System was solicited by a Request for Proposals in September 2015 and is anticipated to be the next U.S. military standard side arm replacing the Beretta M9 and the SIG Sauer M11. The U.S. Marine Corps also participated in the program to have input on source selection.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- MOSA
- Open Architecture
- Modular Design
- Open Systems Architecture
USAGE NOTE
MOSA is increasingly mandated in DoD acquisition programs to foster competition, reduce vendor lock-in, and accelerate innovation, especially for complex systems like UAVs and autonomous vehicles.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Modular Open Systems Approach.
The DoD is the primary driving force behind the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), mandating its implementation across new and existing weapon systems to enhance affordability, interoperability, and rapid technology insertion. Various branches and agencies within the DoD actively develop and enforce MOSA standards and policies.
As a major defense contractor, Lockheed Martin integrates MOSA principles into its platforms and systems, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, C-130J, and various missile and combat systems, to improve upgradeability and reduce lifecycle costs.
RTX actively designs and develops systems with MOSA architectures across its portfolio, including advanced sensors, effectors, and command and control systems, enabling greater interoperability and faster capability integration for military customers.
Northrop Grumman implements MOSA across its aerospace, defense, and cyber technology solutions, focusing on creating adaptable and extensible systems for airborne, space, and ground platforms to meet evolving mission requirements.
BAE Systems emphasizes open system architectures in its development of combat vehicles, naval systems, electronic warfare solutions, and avionics to ensure modularity, reduce integration complexity, and support faster technology upgrades.
L3Harris develops a wide range of C6ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber-defense and Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and electronic warfare systems built on MOSA principles, enabling secure and interoperable solutions for defense customers globally.
NAVAIR is a key U.S. Navy command driving the implementation of MOSA across naval aviation platforms and systems, developing and applying open architecture standards like Open Mission Systems (OMS) and Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) to enhance capability and reduce costs.
AFRL conducts research and development on advanced technologies, frequently focusing on open architectures and modular designs to create next-generation capabilities that are more adaptable, affordable, and rapidly deployable for the U.S. Air Force.