This Week’s Tech Highlights:
- Pentagon’s Focuses on Border Security & Iron Dome: Pentagon reviews FY26 budget to shift $50B toward Trump Administration’s new defense priorities
- Hypersonics Development Facing Talent and Wind Tunnel Capacity Crunch: Air Force chief scientist highlighted the potential bottleneck in development
- Measuring Defense Innovation: A recent analysis looks at different ways to measure innovation in emerging defense technologies
Tech Sector News:
- UAS: Blue UAS list expands as military fast-tracks secure drone technologies
- Quantum: DARPA expands quantum benchmarking initiative with new contracts coming this spring
- Space: Star Catcher wins AFWERX SBIR contract for space-to-space power beaming
- Advanced Materials: Argonne Lab uses AI to optimize conductive polymer materials
- Digital Twins: NIST report highlights digital twin applications and cybersecurity risks
- Advanced Manufacturing: Purdue Researchers Advance 3D-printing of dark ceramics for hypersonics
- AI: Military leaders outline AI adoption strategies at ATARC summit
And more!
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GENERAL EMERGING TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Pentagon May Break up Tech Offices in Acquisition-Policy Shift
The Pentagon plans to merge parts of the Strategic Capabilities Office, Defense Innovation Unit, and Chief Digital and AI Office into a new entity focused on acquiring advanced technologies. The shift prioritizes practical weapon systems over research. The initiative remains in early stages and requires approval from leadership and Congress.
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Pentagon Seeks to Shift $50B in Planned Funding to New Priorities in FY26
The Secretary of Defense has ordered a review of the 2026 budget to shift $50 billion- 8% of the plan- from legacy programs to priorities like border security and an Iron Dome for America. The review targets what the new administration deems to be unnecessary spendings, such as climate initiatives and bureaucracy, while sparing key areas like nuclear modernization and border activities. This significant shift aligns with new national defense priorities, distinct from the separate personnel cuts expected.
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DOD Needs More Hypersonics Experts, Testing Facilities
The Air Force’s chief scientist highlighted a shortage of experts and wind tunnel capacity required for hypersonics development, suggesting program consolidation. With multiple ongoing projects across services, talent scarcity and testing limitations pose challenges. Recent tests of a powerful scramjet engine show progress, but concerns remain about simulating real-world conditions and securing funding for test facilities, potentially requiring budget trade-offs to advance hypersonic technologies effectively.
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Pentagon Prepares Potential Cuts for DOGE
The military is preparing lists of legacy weapons for potential cuts ahead of a review by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). With military spending vital to local economies, such as the F-35 program spanning 48 states, proposed cuts face challenges due to political and economic resistance.
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How Can We Measure if Defense Innovation Works?
The Pentagon often struggles to measure the effectiveness of its innovation organizations, which aim to transition commercial technology for defense use. A recent analysis argues Key metrics should include the impact on warfighters, the civil innovation base, and the defense ecosystem. Success requires clear military utility, faster tech adoption, improved partnerships, and better processes to integrate emerging solutions into operations.
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Navy ONR Seeks Contractor Info for Composites Tech Center
The Navy’s Office of Naval Research is seeking contractor proposals to manage its Composites Manufacturing Technology Center, focusing on advancing naval technologies in composites and non-metallic manufacturing. A separate firm currently holds a $99 million contract for a similar Navy manufacturing center in South Carolina.
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Air Force Tests Unarmed Nuclear Missile
The Air Force tested an unarmed Minuteman III missile from California, traveling 4,200 miles to the Marshall Islands to verify its nuclear deterrence reliability. The 50-year-old system awaits replacement by the delayed Sentinel program, prompting ongoing Minuteman III maintenance. The test showcased the U.S. nuclear triad’s readiness, with data aiding both current operations and future transitions.
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SDA Seeks Input into Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) for Trump’s Iron Dome
The Space Development Agency seeks industry input by February 28 to integrate its low-Earth orbit satellite network, the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, into a new “Iron Dome for America” missile defense system. A February 11 solicitation requests 60-day studies on architecture, sensors, and software to enhance missile defense using space-based assets. Announced via executive order on January 27, the initiative aims to bolster U.S. defenses against advanced missile threats.
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PSF ANALYSIS & INSIGHTS
PSF Analysis: U.S. SpaceTechnology Ecosystem
The Space Technology sector is pivotal in shaping the future of innovation in the U.S. as it fuels advancements that extend far beyond space exploration. But are we doing enough to expand U.S. capabilities and stay ahead in the global space race?Our latest analysis breaks down key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping this critical sector:
- Cutting-Edge Technologies – Advancements in satellite communication, remote sensing, space propulsion, robotic arms, and deep-space exploration.
- Key Industries Impacted – Supporting defense, aerospace,
- Federal R&D Investment – Over $19.3 billion was allocated to thousands of organizations, accelerating breakthroughs in lunar exploration, space situational awareness, and next-gen space applications.
- Dual-Use Innovation – Hundreds of companies bridging government and commercial markets, scaling solutions for national security and private space ventures.
Click here to download the latest ecosystem analysis on Space Tech and other emerging technology categories.
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TECHNOLOGY SECTOR-SPECIFIC NEWS
UAS: DIU Updates Blue UAS List, Framework With 23 Drones & 14 UAS Components
After a three-day drone challenge at a Marine Corps base, 23 platforms, and 14 components were chosen for defense verification, advancing capabilities like FPV and tethered systems. This first annual event accelerates warfighter access to cyber-secure, compliant drones, and parts, outpacing traditional timelines. With 369 global proposals, the updated Blue UAS List and Framework will soon enhance military options, with two platforms already approved for worldwide use.
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Quantum: DARPA Plans ‘Major Expansion’ of Quantum Computing Push Next Month
DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) is expanding after initial success, with new contracts expected by late March. The program, led by Joe Altepeter, evaluates quantum computing firms’ feasibility rather than funding development. With a $1B budget, QBI aims to independently verify progress, though growing interest may strain funding. Full assessments will determine industry viability.
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Space: USAF Backs Space Energy Grid with Star Catcher SBIR Phase I
Star Catcher secured an AFWERX SBIR Phase I contract to advance space-to-space power beaming for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) spacecraft. The Star Catcher Network aims to provide on-demand energy, boosting spacecraft power by 5-10x without retrofitting. This innovation enhances operational capabilities, reduces costs, and supports complex missions. The initiative aligns with U.S. Air Force priorities to strengthen satellite resilience against emerging threats.
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Advanced Materials: Argonne Researchers use AI-Driven Automated Material Laboratory to Produce Advanced Materials
Argonne National Laboratory researchers used AI-driven automation to optimize electronic polymer thin films, advancing flexible, conductive materials for wearable tech and energy storage. Their AI tool, Polybot, streamlined the process by testing millions of fabrication variables, enhancing conductivity, and reducing defects. The team’s findings, including scalable production “recipes,” will support industry adoption. The research, published in Nature Communications, was funded by the DOE and the University of Chicago.
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Digital Twin: NIST Recommends Zero Trust for Digital Twin Tech Uses
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a report on digital twin technologies, emphasizing their applications in industries like drones, oil drilling, and robotic surgery. NIST highlights cybersecurity risks, including data centralization and remote control vulnerabilities, recommending a zero-trust model. The report outlines 14 trust considerations, focusing on accuracy, complexity, and standardization to ensure digital twins are functionally equivalent to their physical counterparts and secure throughout their lifecycle.
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Advanced Manufacturing: Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) Researchers Advance Hypersonics Manufacturing with Novel 3D-Printed Ceramic Materials Space
Researchers at Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) are developing additive manufacturing methods to 3D print dark ceramics for hypersonic vehicle components. Using digital light processing, they aim to produce complex shapes with high precision. However, dark ceramics absorb UV light, making curing difficult. The team is optimizing resin systems and surface treatments to enhance the process. This work, funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, seeks to scale production while ensuring structural integrity.
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AI: DoD, Fed Officials Pushing for Smarter, Safer AI Integration
Military officials at the Advanced Technology Academic Research Center (ATARC) Public Sector AI Summit emphasized strategies to mitigate AI adoption risks while improving workforce perception. They advocate for AI experimentation within areas of expertise, employee engagement before implementation, and annual AI training. Ensuring proper AI prompting and guardrails is key to efficiency and security. Officials stress that listening to employees fosters AI advocacy, preventing resistance and making adoption smoother across government operations.
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