Why the US military needs an “innovation intervention”
A training exercise with Andros F6A robots at Al Dhafra Air Base, UAE. (Photo: USAF)
Several issues in the Pentagon’s structure and the defence industrial base have been hampering the country’s efforts to produce cutting-edge solutions.
The proliferation of multi-domain threats and China’s fast technological advancement in the military realm have been putting in doubt the US’ capacity to innovate. Bureaucracy, budget, infrastructure, integration across the services and reduced number of suppliers are among the issues preventing the Pentagon from rapidly developing and fielding new advanced technologies.
US lawmakers have expressed concern about the country’s ability to progress with strategic R&D and procurement efforts. The House Appropriations Defence Subcommittee Chairman, Republican representative (California) Ken Calvert claimed during the consideration of the DoD FY2025 budget on 27 June that the US military must achieve “an
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Patria OPTIME and ILIAS: Orchestrating operational readiness across every domain]()
Patria OPTIME and ILIAS: Orchestrating operational readiness across every domain
Patria OPTIME is a sustainment concept that integrates MRO and lifecycle services into one solution, powered by the ILIAS digital defence platform
-
![US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems]()
US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems
US Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command initiatives signal demand for interoperable uncrewed systems control, creating opportunities for suppliers of hardware, software and integration services.
-
![“Start planning much earlier”: delivering defence support in an era of disruption]()
“Start planning much earlier”: delivering defence support in an era of disruption
In Conversation… The geopolitical landscape is increasingly uncertain, with the UK and its allies confronting the most unpredictable international environment for decades. To adapt, defence readiness must begin long before assets reach the front line, forging a resilient support enterprise that can thrive in a time of ongoing disruption, argue the partners of Team ORION.
-
![“Communicating at mission speed”: why data security is essential for operational success]()
“Communicating at mission speed”: why data security is essential for operational success
In conversation… Everfox’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dave Wajsgras and Managing Director, International, Colin McKinty discuss the critical importance of information security in defence, minimising insider risk and the company’s international growth strategy with Shephard’s Andrew White.
-
![“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence]()
“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence
In Conversation… Shephard’s Andrew White talks to Zafer Şen, CEO and co-founder of OBSS, about the future of command-and-control software in the age of artificial intelligence, and his company’s ambitions in the UK defence market.
