Some early analysis on HAC-D markup technology investments
Defense Technology Investments FY2026
Partial Analysis of DoD Technology Programs from HACD Report
Defense Technology Investment Overview FY2026
Key Technology Priorities
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning initiatives across all services $500M+
- Hypersonic weapons development and defense $1.8B+
- Autonomous systems (ground, air, maritime) $850M+
- Space technology and resilient architectures $15B+
- Advanced manufacturing and materials $320M+
- Biotechnology and synthetic biology $180M+
- Quantum computing and quantum technologies $75M+
- High Performance Computing modernization $260M+
The Committee views innovation as foundational to high performing teams and high performing teams are the fabric of high performing organizations. The Committee is encouraged the Department has recognized the value of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) as a contributor to acquisition improvements within existing authorities.
Specifically, the Committee notes the Department's early emphasis to scale adoption of Software Acquisition Pathway wherein the Secretary of Defense directed collaboration between the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and DIU to develop an implementation plan utilizing Commercial Solutions Openings (CSO) as the default solicitation approach for software acquisitions.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO)
| Program | FY2025 Enacted | FY2026 Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CDAO - DEIM/AL ACTIVITIES | $370,861 | $350,161 |
| ALPHA-1 DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES | $53,307 | $92,112 |
| Program increase - AI-ready data | - | $5,700 |
| Program increase - autonomy analysis platform | - | $15,000 |
Service-Specific AI/ML Programs
- ARMY: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning $16,763
- Analytics and visualization for autonomous vehicle systems $2,500
- Machine learning optimized power electronics $5,000
- Ruggedized AI/ML HPC architecture development $10,000
- Machine learning for advanced lightweight combat vehicle structures $17,600
- AIR FORCE: AI/ML for national security $15,000
- SPACE FORCE: Artificial intelligence infrastructure $12,000
- IACS AI integration and security $2,500
AI Integration Focus Areas:
- Autonomous ground vehicles - systems engineering $5,000
- Digital transformation for integrating human ground-air machine formations $10,000
- AI-enhanced missile risk-based mission assurance $10,000
Cybersecurity & Cyber Operations
Major Cyber Programs
| Program | FY2025 Enacted | FY2026 Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberspace Operations (Defense-Wide) | $1,336,632 | $1,429,033 |
| USCYBERCOM Headquarters | $328,423 | $362,641 |
| CYBERCOM Activities | $31,700 | $34,432 |
| Cyber Training Environment (CTE) | $149,145 | $126,797 |
| Cyber Security Initiative | $1,831 | $1,878 |
| Joint Chiefs of Staff - Cyber | $9,100 | $9,100 |
Service Cyber Programs
- ARMY: C3I Cyber Advanced Development $111,121
- High bandwidth cryptomodule enhancements $4,500
- Cybersecurity for autonomous ground vehicles $7,500
- Defense of network immutability $3,720
- NAVY: Cybersecurity Activities $852,283
- AIR FORCE: Cyberspace Sustainment $278,330
- Zero trust network access software-defined perimeter $10,000
- Air Force Office of Special Investigations cyber $1,700
- SPACE FORCE: Cyberspace Activities $118,633
- SPECIAL OPS: Cyberspace Activities $51,283
Cybersecurity of Weapons Platforms
The Committee is concerned about potential cyber vulnerabilities of Department of Defense weapon system platforms, especially fielded platforms with outdated and unmonitored electronic systems and data buses. The lack of real-world data to perform on-board monitoring leaves gaps in understanding the full extent of the threat environment.
Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes $10,000,000 in Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide for real-time monitoring of weapons systems cybersecurity to implement on-board, near real-time, monitoring capabilities on high priority weapon system platforms.
Defense Contract Management Cyber Security
| Agency | Program | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Defense Contract Audit Agency | DCAA - Cyber | $4,961 |
| Defense Contract Management Agency | DCMA - Cyber | $42,541 |
| Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency | DCSA - Cyber | $9,794 |
Space Technology & Systems
Space Force RDT&E Programs
| Program | FY2025 Enacted | FY2026 Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Space Technology | $255,984 | $258,303 |
| Large-area space-based solar power array | - | $7,000 |
| Space Science and Technology R&D | $488,916 | $497,878 |
| Transport layer software architecture | - | $15,000 |
| L-band phased array demonstration | - | $5,000 |
| Space Advanced Technology Development/Demo | $251,474 | $112,407 |
| Space Technology Development and Prototyping | $1,651,115 | $1,651,720 |
| Space Control Technology | $62,195 | $62,590 |
| Tech Transition (Space) | $228,547 | $275,399 |
Major Space Systems
- Next Generation OPIR - Ground $371,990
- Next Generation OPIR $198,031
- Next-Gen OPIR - GEO $449,932
- Next-Gen OPIR - Polar $474,881
- Resilient Missile Warning/Tracking - LEO $1,187,121
- Resilient Missile Warning/Tracking - MEO $675,849
- GPS III Follow-On (GPS IIIF) $204,659
- Resilient-GPS program increase $15,000
- Space Situation Awareness Systems $411,916
- Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) $1,133,922
Commercial Space Integration
| Program | Amount |
|---|---|
| Commercial SATCOM (COMSATCOM) Integration | $122,519 |
| Commercial Services | $10,000 |
| Multi-role space superiority vehicles | $10,000 |
| Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) | $38,592 |
| Protected Tactical Service (PTS) | $1,133,922 |
Space Launch Services
- National Security Space Launch program (4 launches) $1,356,700,000
- Space Development Agency Launch program (7 launches) $641,120,000
- GPS III Follow-On spacecraft (2 units) $679,350,000
Space IT & Digital Solutions
| Program | FY2025 | FY2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Space Force IT, Data Analytics, Digital Solutions | $86,247 | $107,527 |
| Artificial intelligence infrastructure | - | $12,000 |
| Space Access, Mobility & Logistics (SAML) | $24,000 | $5,000 |
| Space access mobility & logistics increase | - | $5,000 |
Autonomous Systems & Robotics
Ground Autonomous Systems
- Vehicle C-UAS autonomous weapon station acceleration $10,000
- Cybersecurity for autonomous ground vehicles $7,500
- Analytics and visualization for autonomous vehicle systems $2,500
- Systems engineering for autonomous ground vehicles $5,000
- Ruggedized AI/ML HPC architecture development $10,000
Unmanned Aerial Systems
| Program | Amount |
|---|---|
| Autonomous UAS in contested environments | $20,000 |
| Ruggedized modular fixed-wing sUAS | $7,500 |
| Advancing operationally manufacturing and workforce development for modular UAS solutions | $2,750 |
| Long range attritable UAS for contested environments | $10,000 |
| Accelerated autonomous drone hub development | $2,500 |
| UAS tactical development and integration (Special Ops) | $25,000 |
| MQ-9 Reaper Program (Air Force) | $35,000 |
| Reusable, unmanned, hypersonic aircraft (DIU) | $20,000 |
Autonomous Maritime Systems
- Small craft electric propulsion (DIU) $5,000
- Maritime Systems (Defense-Wide) $202,225
- Maritime starting application $4,000
- Autonomous pilot (CENTCOM) $10,000
Autonomous Aviation Systems
- Optionally piloted flight demonstration $5,000
- Hybrid VTOL logistics demonstration $7,500
- Variable speed rotor technology maturation $15,000
- High density eVTOL power source $7,500
The Committee's investments in autonomous systems span all domains - land, sea, air, and space. Key focus areas include enhancing cybersecurity for autonomous platforms, developing AI-enabled decision-making capabilities, and ensuring seamless human-machine teaming. The emphasis on modular and attritable systems reflects the evolving nature of modern warfare where quantity and adaptability are as important as individual platform capabilities.
Hypersonic Technology
Hypersonic Weapons Development
| Program | Service | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boost-glide hypersonic weapon development | Army | $12,500 |
| Hypersonic additive manufacturing | Army | $20,000 |
| Hypersonic and strategic materials and structures | Army | $2,500 |
| Aerostructures development | Army | $5,000 |
| Reusable, unmanned, hypersonic aircraft | DIU | $20,000 |
Hypersonic Defense Systems
- Improved Homeland Defense Interceptors $983,116
- Ballistic Missile Defense Terminal Defense Segment Test $118,536
- AEGIS BMD Test $142,642
- Ballistic Missile Defense Sensor Test $84,787
- Ballistic Missile Defense Midcourse Segment Test $50,894
Armstrong Test Facility Support
The Committee is closely monitoring the progress of the Department's programs regarding hypersonic weapons, satellites, space vehicles, and other national security space developments. The Committee is aware of the assistance that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Neil Armstrong Test Facility (ATF) has provided to the Department on research and development programs in these areas and encourages the Department to assist NASA in providing the ATF with cyber security, physical security, and other necessary upgrades that will allow the Department continued access to ATF's world-class space, aeronautics, and hypersonic assets.
Defense Innovation Programs
Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
| Program | FY2025 Enacted | FY2026 Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Fielding | $895,000 | $619,000 |
| Accountability bookkeeping dashboard - WARP | - | $3,000 |
| Change detection through behavioral surveillance | - | $13,000 |
| Civil reserve manufacturing network using adaptive production | - | $48,000 |
| Shared commercial classified infrastructure | - | $30,000 |
| International initiatives | - | $40,000 |
| Marine Corps priorities | - | $10,000 |
| Projects with Service programming commitment | - | $235,000 |
| Support to combatant commands | - | $215,000 |
Other Innovation Programs
| Program | Amount |
|---|---|
| Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) | $32,488 |
| Financial responsibility technology | $2,000 |
| Defense Rapid Innovation Program | $5,518 |
| Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) | $42,984 |
| Software Acquisition Pilot Program | $17,929 |
The Committee applauds the Department for increasing opportunities for commercial solutions. The Department cannot afford to make decisions that result in vendor-lock on capabilities and enabling activities in any domain, hardware or software. The Committee looks forward to understanding more about the implementation plan to scale adoption of the Software Acquisition Pathway approach.
Test and Evaluation Innovation
The Committee notes the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOTE) Strategy Implementation Plan consisted of five strategic pillars that sought to "collaboratively and cooperatively transform the Department's infrastructure, tools, processes, and workforce."
The Committee commends DOTE for early recognition that a transformation in operational test activities would be needed to meet the accelerating pace of technological adoption, including the use of digital twins and cloud-at-the-edge computing.
| Program | FY2025 | FY2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Operational Test and Evaluation | $138,226 | $138,226 |
| Live Fire Testing | $109,561 | $109,561 |
| Operational Test Activities and Analysis | $102,922 | $102,922 |
Advanced Manufacturing & Materials
Additive Manufacturing Programs
- Additive manufacturing for alternative fuel munitions $15,000
- Additive manufacturing and new platform technology $10,000
- Hypersonic additive manufacturing $20,000
- Digital manufacturing research for advanced power devices $11,250
- 2D polymer active manufacturing $5,000
- Rapid advanced deposition research $3,000
Advanced Materials Research
| Program | Service | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology for Materials - Advanced Research | Army | $21,890 |
| Biotechnology for Materials - Applied Research | Army | $8,269 |
| Carbon nanomaterials as functional additives | Army | $5,000 |
| Composite components for medium caliber armament systems | Army | $2,500 |
| Low-cost carbon-carbon-ceramic brake rotors | Army | $7,000 |
| Alternative proteins research | Army | $2,500 |
Manufacturing Innovation
- Civil reserve manufacturing network using adaptive production systems (DIU) $48,000
- Advanced manufacturing of energetic materials $4,250
- Advancing operationally manufacturing for modular UAS solutions $2,750
- Biosynthesizing critical chemicals $2,550
- Enhanced blast reactive alloy munitions $6,000
Industrial Base Policy
The Committee is pleased that the Office of Industrial Base Policy published a National Defense Industrial Strategy and Implementation Plan that can begin to address long-standing crevasses in the defense industrial base. The Committee believes the Department has not properly resourced the defense industrial base and arguably, until relatively recently, was laissez-faire in thoroughly understanding relationships, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
The Committee urges utilization of commercially available data and analytic tools as well as federally funded research and development centers to intensely analyze, illuminate, and subsequently resource a combination of traditional and emerging technologies to dramatically reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, radically strengthen domestic manufacturing, and significantly elevate advanced and emerging manufacturing technologies.
Networks & Communications Technology
Network C3I Technology Programs
| Program | Service | FY2025 | FY2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network C3I Technology | Army | $110,417 | $98,597 |
| ODPG development | Army | - | $14,000 |
| Network C3I Advanced Technology | Army | $142,224 | $149,536 |
| Next generation tactical terminals | Army | - | $15,000 |
| Defense of network immutability | Army | - | $3,720 |
| C3I Advanced Technology | Army | $22,814 | $24,879 |
| Category 3 subterranean training facility | Army | - | $10,000 |
Global Command & Control Systems
- Global Command and Control System $47,120
- Joint C5 Capability Development, Integration & Interoperability $30,451
- Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) $13,018
- Shared commercial classified infrastructure (DIU) $30,000
Air Force Network Programs
| Program | FY2025 | FY2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Command, Control, Communication, and Computers | $45,807 | $45,971 |
| NC3 REACH | - | $26,000 |
| Enterprise Information Services (EIS) | $104,133 | $118,031 |
| Cloud one and data mesh | - | $8,000 |
| Mission critical secure collaboration solution | - | $8,500 |
| Global C3I and Early Warning | $1,294,115 | $1,226,543 |
Tactical Data Networks
- Tactical Data Networks Enterprise $40,044
- Battle Management COM & CTRL Sensor Development $89,040
- ARSR-4 Replacement Hawaii $30,000
- NC3 Integration $25,044
Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3)
- B-2 Squadrons - NC3 modernization and Golden Dome initiative $50,000
- Worldwide Joint Strategic Communications $0
- Service Support to STRATCOM - Global Strike $0
Emerging & Disruptive Technologies
Energy & Power Technologies
- Large-area space-based solar power array $7,000
- Self-contained power for towers and sensors $10,000
- Microgrid reliability and resiliency research $10,000
- Ruggedized expeditionary self-contained generator $5,000
- Wave energy for contested logistics $3,500
- Man-portable off-grid energy $3,000
- Mesophase pitch-based synthetic graphite battery technology $15,000
- Standardized battery for enhanced performance and safety $4,750
- Ruggedized mobile power generation $7,000
- Methane capture and conversion $2,500
Directed Energy & High Energy Lasers
| Program | Amount |
|---|---|
| Low SWaP-C next generation HEL system | $15,000 |
| High Energy Laser Advanced Component Development & Prototype | $5,896 |
| C-UAS hybrid reality overlay for missile engineering testbed | $5,000 |
| High-performance onboard processing for Geiger-mode LIDAR systems | $8,300 |
Biotechnology & Medical Technology
- Medical Advanced Technology $19,046
- Prophylactic medical countermeasure for acute radiation syndrome $10,000
- Blast and blunt force sensor system $7,000
- Medical Technology $79,897
- Chemical and Biological Defense Program - EMD $220,481
- Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction Systems Development $15,069
Advanced Sensors & Detection
- Uncooled thermal technology capabilities $10,000
- Micro-LED monolithic color micro-displays $5,000
- Army aviation helmet mounted display $5,000
- L-band phased array demonstration $5,000
- Advanced low cost active electronically scanned array radar $3,000
The Committee recognizes the importance of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) in providing the Congress and the public with transparency and improved understanding of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). The Committee continues to support AARO and its mission to improve national security and public understanding of UAP data through a rigorous scientific framework and data-driven approach.
Quantum & Advanced Computing
| Program | FY2025 | FY2026 |
|---|---|---|
| High Performance Computing Modernization | $245,350 | $258,379 |
| Defense Research Sciences | $21,349 | $22,820 |
| University Research Initiatives | $14,731 | $14,916 |
Advanced Protective Systems
- Modular adaptive multi-threat protective panel system $7,000
- Soldier ballistic head protection $5,000
- Next generation cracked armor laminated patch repair technology $10,000
- Aerial delivery of fire suppression $5,000
- Counter Improvised-Threat Simulation $23,722
