The Role of AI in Modern Warfare and Intelligence Gathering

Artificial intelligence has rapidly become one of the most transformative forces in modern warfare and intelligence operations. No longer limited to experimental systems, AI is now embedded in real-world military decision-making, surveillance, and combat operations. As global conflicts evolve into data-driven environments, the ability to process, interpret, and act on vast amounts of information has become a decisive advantage. The integration of AI into military systems is reshaping how wars are fought, how intelligence is gathered, and how strategic decisions are made, fundamentally altering the nature of conflict in the twenty-first century.

One of the most significant contributions of AI to modern warfare is its ability to accelerate decision-making. Traditional intelligence analysis required human analysts to sift through massive volumes of data from satellites, drones, communications intercepts, and other sources. AI systems now perform this task at unprecedented speed, identifying patterns and threats that would otherwise go unnoticed. In recent U.S. military operations, AI has been used to process large datasets and generate actionable insights, significantly shortening the decision cycle for commanders (Medill on the Hill, 2026). This acceleration allows military leaders to respond more quickly to emerging threats, giving them a strategic advantage in fast-moving conflict environments.

Closely tied to decision-making is AI’s role in intelligence gathering. Modern intelligence operations rely heavily on the integration of multiple data sources, including geospatial imagery, signals intelligence, and open-source information. AI systems such as the U.S. military’s Maven Smart System are designed to analyze this data, identify targets, and prioritize them based on strategic importance (Brennan Center for Justice, 2026). These systems can scan vast amounts of information from satellites, drones, and even social media, enabling analysts to detect patterns of behavior, locate individuals or equipment, and anticipate enemy actions. This capability transforms intelligence from a reactive process into a predictive one, allowing militaries to anticipate threats before they fully materialize.

AI is also playing a critical role in battlefield operations. Autonomous and semi-autonomous systems, including drones and unmanned vehicles, are increasingly used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions. These systems rely on AI to navigate complex environments, identify targets, and adapt to changing conditions in real time. Recent developments in counter-drone technology demonstrate how AI can be used defensively as well as offensively, with systems capable of detecting and intercepting enemy drones efficiently and at lower cost (Business Insider, 2026). In addition, AI-powered platforms are being developed to coordinate swarms of drones, enhancing their effectiveness and complicating enemy defenses.

Another important application of AI is in logistics and operational support. Military operations depend on the efficient movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies, often under challenging conditions. AI systems are used to optimize logistics by predicting equipment failures, managing supply chains, and improving maintenance schedules. These capabilities enhance operational readiness and reduce costs, allowing militaries to sustain prolonged operations more effectively. AI-driven logistics systems also contribute to mission planning by simulating different scenarios and identifying the most efficient courses of action.

Cybersecurity and information warfare represent another domain where AI has become indispensable. Modern conflicts increasingly involve cyber operations aimed at disrupting communication networks, stealing sensitive information, or spreading disinformation. AI enhances both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities by detecting anomalies, identifying vulnerabilities, and responding to threats in real time. At the same time, AI is being used to generate and analyze digital propaganda, shaping public perception and influencing political outcomes. As a result, the battlefield now extends beyond physical space into the digital domain, where information itself becomes a weapon.

Despite its advantages, the use of AI in warfare raises significant ethical and strategic concerns. One of the most pressing issues is the potential for autonomous weapons systems to make life-and-death decisions without human intervention. While military leaders emphasize that humans remain “in the loop,” the increasing reliance on AI for targeting and decision-making raises questions about accountability and control (The Wall Street Journal, 2026). There is also the risk of unintended escalation, as AI systems operating at high speed may respond to threats in ways that humans cannot easily predict or control. Additionally, the use of AI in surveillance raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of data.

The integration of AI into warfare also has broader implications for global security. As more nations develop and deploy AI-enabled systems, the risk of an arms race increases. Countries are investing heavily in AI technologies to gain a strategic edge, leading to rapid advancements and increased competition (U.S. Army War College, 2025). This competition may lower the threshold for conflict, as states seek to demonstrate technological superiority or respond to perceived threats. At the same time, the proliferation of AI technologies raises the possibility that non-state actors could gain access to advanced capabilities, further complicating the security landscape.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming modern warfare and intelligence gathering. By accelerating decision-making, enhancing intelligence analysis, and enabling new forms of combat and cyber operations, AI provides significant advantages to those who can effectively harness it. However, these advancements come with substantial risks, including ethical dilemmas, potential loss of human control, and increased global instability. As AI continues to evolve, its role in warfare will likely expand, making it essential for policymakers, military leaders, and society as a whole to carefully consider how this powerful technology is used. The future of warfare will not be defined solely by weapons or troops, but by algorithms, data, and the ability to turn information into action.

References

Brennan Center for Justice. (2026). The military’s use of AI, explained.

Business Insider. (2026). U.S. Army surged largest counter-drone training deployment in the Middle East.

Medill on the Hill. (2026). Data and decisions: AI is changing how the military operates.

U.S. Army War College. (2025). Artificial intelligence’s growing role in modern warfare.

The Wall Street Journal. (2026). U.S. forces employ AI every single day in Iran operation.

Counter-UAS Marketplace Streamlines Acquisition, First Purchases Total $13 Million

April 15, 2026 | By Army Lt. Col. Adam Scher, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 |

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 announced today the first set of purchases completed through its newly launched counter-unmanned aircraft systems marketplace. The four purchases, collectively valued at $13 million, represent a new milestone in the task force's mission to streamline critical counter-UAS technology acquisition among the War Department and its interagency partners.

The recent purchases provided key counter-UAS capabilities to U.S. Central Command, individual services with homeland defense missions, as well as Joint Task Force Southern Border. The orders include low-collateral defeat effectors, sensor systems, radars and electronic warfare systems. 
 
Hosted on the common hardware systems electronic catalog, the marketplace is powered by an established Army indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, enabling customers to place orders immediately. The system eliminates the lead time typically associated with defense procurement by simplifying the purchase process and providing access to a growing catalog of validated counter-small UAS equipment. 
 
"The [common hardware systems] website ... is designed to facilitate direct, seamless transactions between government entities and approved vendors," said Army Maj. Matt Mellor, the lead acquisitions specialist for the task force. "Through the platform, customers can review performance data, compare systems and make informed decisions based on real-world test results and verified capabilities."

Launched in February, the marketplace features a dozen counter-UAS systems, and its continuously expanding inventory contains a wide array of sensors, effectors and system components. The task force will continue to expand available options as new technologies are developed and as companies request that their products be included. 
 
The catalog also currently includes components that can be used as repair parts, allowing customers to meet a wide range of requirements through a single platform. 
 
"The marketplace is a critical step forward in our whole-of-government approach to countering the threat of unmanned systems," said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, JIATF 401 director. "This platform is not only revolutionizing the entire procurement process, but also empowering users with the information and tools needed to safeguard our service members and citizens, while providing timely, cost-effective solutions to our warfighters." 
 
The counter-UAS marketplace is now available to users across the War Department and other federal agencies, providing access to a comprehensive array of counter-UAS solutions that will enable the resourcing of a layered defense to protect the homeland and enhance warfighter lethality.

Navy Researchers Seek Volunteers for NASA Study

April 9, 2026 | By Zachary Wilson, Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton |

Navy researchers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, are seeking volunteers to assist in a study that directly supports one of the United States' biggest space exploration goals: returning American astronauts to the moon.

Researchers assigned to the Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, the Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and NASA's Human Research Program are conducting a collaborative study examining motion sickness and how the human body adapts to acceleration and changing gravity environments.

Volunteers will help scientists better understand how the brain and inner ear respond to motion and to space motion sickness mitigation techniques, which could improve both military aviation safety and astronaut performance in space.

The study, StableEyes with Active Neurophysiology Monitoring, or SWAN, has been underway for several years and requires volunteers who have both a current aviation medical clearance and TRICARE health insurance coverage, due to the challenging nature of the motion profile.

"The participants' physical readiness for the unique aspects of the centrifuge exposure, coupled with the need to have reasonable astronaut analog subjects, is key," said Rich Folga, SWAN project manager assigned to Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton. "Having an aeromedical clearance notice from a competent flight medicine examiner ensures candidates have 'the right stuff.'"

He added that additional subject screening is done to ensure the candidate is a good match for the target study population, based on self-reported sensitivity to provocative motion stimulus.

First, participants experience controlled acceleration profiles in a centrifuge, simulating spaceflight deconditioning effects on key balance and coordination systems. After the centrifuge run and during the temporary deconditioning effect, volunteers perform a series of tasks while wearing goggles that track head-and-eye movements, capturing motion sickness-related measurements. The entire group will complete additional tasks testing balance after the deconditioning events.

This research is part of a broader effort to develop countermeasures that will help astronauts remain safe and effective during future lunar missions under NASA's Artemis program.

"Dayton has been at the center of aerospace medicine for decades and aerospace in general since the invention of the aircraft," said Richard Arnold, director of Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton's Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory. "Naval medical researchers at the lab contributed to astronaut training and physiological research during the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs. This collaboration continues that legacy by bringing together Navy, Air Force and NASA scientists to solve challenges that will help enable future missions to the moon and beyond."

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is home to the nation's premier aerospace medicine research center, where scientists from the Navy and Air Force collaborate in support of joint missions and broader national priorities, including the ongoing collaboration with NASA and related research that affects both military aviation and future human space exploration.

The Air Force's centrifuge has recently supported astronaut training and research tied to NASA's Artemis lunar exploration program, which aims to land astronauts on the moon and establish a sustained human presence there later this decade.

NASA's Artemis campaign is designed to return U.S. astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972. The program's first mission, Artemis I, successfully completed an uncrewed test flight around the moon in 2022. The crewed Artemis II mission launched April 1 and saw the crew travel farther from Earth than any humans in history as they orbited the moon while spending 10 days in space.

For astronauts traveling to the moon, the body must transition between Earth gravity, microgravity during transit and the moon's partial gravity, conditions that can create sensory conflicts in the vestibular system — the inner ear structures responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Studies like the one underway in Dayton help scientists develop techniques and technologies that allow astronauts to adapt more quickly to these conditions.

Volunteer Information

Participants will complete up to eight hours of testing across two days, including exposure to three times the force of Earth's gravity acceleration profile inside the centrifuge, and a series of balance and vision assessments. Active-duty service members and federal employees must be on leave or in an off-duty status to be eligible for monetary compensation. Experimental stress-hazardous-duty incentive pay will be available to on-duty military participants.

Qualified participants must:

• Be active-duty military or a TRICARE beneficiary;
• Be between the ages of 18 and 55;
• Be between 5 feet and 6 feet, 4 inches in height;
• Weigh between 88 and 245 pounds;
• Have a current medical clearance (DD2992, FAA 8700-2 or FAA 8500-9) prior to the second study session;
• Not have been exposed to centrifuge training in the past 72 hours;
• Not be susceptible to moderate-to-severe motion sickness;
• Meet additional study criteria.

If you are interested and meet the eligibility criteria, contact the research team to learn more or volunteer by emailing NAMRU.DRD.Scheduling@us.af.mil.

Naval Postgraduate School Alumni Lead Artemis II Homebound

April 8, 2026 | By Daniel Linehan, Naval Postgraduate School |

Next stop — Earth.

After a historic lunar flyby at a record-setting distance, the Artemis II crew is now on its return journey, with splashdown expected April 10 in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 50-60 miles off the coast of San Diego.  

Awaiting their arrival will be the amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha, positioned to recover the astronauts and capsule. 

Mission commander and Naval Postgraduate School alumnus, retired Navy Capt. Reid Wiseman, now focuses on the most critical phase of the mission — bringing the crew home safely. 

"We are locked in," Wiseman said. "We are definitely excited for the second half of this mission. And we are on guard. We are the first crew to fly this vehicle. We are ready for any contingency and any scenario. We are going to stay locked in every second until we are back on that Navy ship, at home reunited with our families." 

Wiseman and spacecraft pilot, Navy Capt. Victor Glover — also an NPS alumnus — use their years of experience as Navy test pilots to guide the spacecraft, coined Integrity by the crew. Their advanced education and astronaut training will ensure a safe return to Earth. 

As our blue planet grows steadily larger in the capsule's windows, the mission's significance is clear. Their journey around the moon has generated critical insights that will inform future Artemis missions and advance NASA's long-term goal of human exploration beyond lunar orbit. 

On the sixth day of the mission, the crew entered the moon's sphere of influence — the point at which lunar gravity overtakes Earth's pull — marking a key milestone in the mission. For hours, the astronauts conducted detailed observations of the moon's near and far sides, capturing new imagery and data. 

Wiseman and Glover, alongside crewmates Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, passed within 4,070 miles of the lunar surface and experienced a 40-minute communications blackout, another defining moment of the mission. 

That moment was made even more meaningful by a prerecorded message from Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell, a fellow naval aviator and test pilot, who died in 2025 at 97. 

"Hello Artemis II. This is Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell. Welcome to my old neighborhood," the message read. "I'm proud to pass that torch to you as you swing around the moon and lay the groundwork for missions to Mars for the benefit of all. … Good luck and Godspeed from all those here on the good Earth." 

The symbolism was powerful. Lovell, commander of Apollo 13, held the previous record for the farthest distance traveled from Earth at 248,655 miles. Artemis II surpassed that mark, reaching 252,760 miles, more than 4,000 miles farther than any human spaceflight before it. 

During the moon flyby, the crew worked in rotating pairs for six hours, observing the lunar surface. They witnessed Earth set behind the moon, then rise again. They also saw an extremely rare view of a solar eclipse as the moon passed between the spacecraft and the sun, a first for human eyes. 

While the Artemis II crew observed the moon, another spacecraft was watching them. 

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, a robotic spacecraft, captured images of the Integrity capsule as it swung around the moon. The orbiter's mission includes mapping the moon's surface, identifying potential resources such as water and ice and helping determine safe landing sites for future missions.  

NPS faculty and students contributed to the orbiter's fast attitude maneuvering control system, which enables the spacecraft to precisely reorient, capabilities essential for tracking and imaging. 

Data from the Artemis II and imagery from the orbiter are now being processed and are anticipated by researchers at NASA and partner institutions. 

This collaboration reflects a broader, enduring partnership between NASA and NPS that advances both cutting-edge research and the education of future operational leaders and astronauts. The ability to connect real-world missions with graduate-level education remains a hallmark of the NPS experience. 

Since first putting humans in space, the Navy, NPS and NASA have had an inseparable bond in space education and research; from naval aviators turned astronauts to Navy ships and sailors returning the astronauts home after splashdown; and to the scientists, engineers and leaders filling every space in-between. 

With seven NPS alumni in the active NASA astronaut corps, the Navy and NPS remain vital contributors to America's future lunar missions and space exploration.

Department of War Forges Landmark Agreement to Triple PAC-3 Seeker Production, Bolstering the Arsenal of Freedom

April 1, 2026 |

The Department of War, in partnership with Boeing and Lockheed Martin, today announced a landmark framework agreement to triple the production capacity of seekers for the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3®) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE). This agreement marks a pivotal step in executing President Trump and Secretary Hegseth's vision to build the Arsenal of Freedom, accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities to the warfighter, and create thousands of jobs across the defense industrial base. 

This seven-year agreement with Boeing, a crucial supplier for the PAC-3 missile, directly supports the recently announced agreement with prime contractor Lockheed Martin to more than triple the output of the PAC-3 MSE all-up round. It is a direct application of the Department's new Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which prioritizes engaging directly with key suppliers at all levels of the industrial base. 

This approach ensures the entire supply chain — not just the primes — have the stability and long-term demand signals necessary to invest in new facilities, tooling, and workforce development. 

The seeker, produced by Boeing, provides active measurement data used for PAC-3 MSE missile guidance to ensure precision intercepts. By securing this long-term commitment for seeker production, the Department is mitigating chokepoints and ensuring the industrial base can scale to meet the operational demands of the warfighter.

"To build a true Arsenal of Freedom, we must strengthen every link in the chain," said Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. "This agreement with Boeing is a direct reflection that speed, volume, and a resilient supply chain are paramount. We are moving beyond the old model and forging direct partnerships with critical suppliers to ensure the entire defense industrial base is postured to expand production and deliver the decisive capabilities our warfighters need at speed and scale."
 
This initiative is a core component of the Department's broader effort to place the acquisition system on a "wartime footing," prioritizing speed and flexibility to outpace adversaries. By providing clear, stable, and long-term demand signals and fostering collaboration across the industrial base, the Department of War is ensuring that both the final products and the intricate supply networks that build them are robust, responsive, and ready.

Army and Navy Continue Tests of Hypersonic Missile

April 2, 2026 |

The U.S. Army's Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires, in partnership with the U.S. Navy's Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs, conducted a successful launch of a common hypersonic missile from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on March 26, 2026.

The Army and Navy partnership to field a common hypersonic missile across land- and sea-based platforms supports the National Defense Strategy by accelerating timelines, reducing costs, and delivering a highly survivable capability to defeat time-sensitive, heavily defended, and high-value targets at speeds exceeding Mach 5.

Space Launch Delta 45 Supports Artemis II Historic Mission

April 2, 2026 | By Space Force 2nd Lt. Christian Malaniak, Space Launch Delta 45 |

Yesterday evening, NASA's Artemis II mission successfully launched from the Eastern Range at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, with four astronauts bound for lunar orbit. This historic moment would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of Space Launch Delta 45 personnel. 

There are many steps involved in ensuring a safe and successful launch. From oversight of range operations to planning potential emergency response, members of SLD 45 aim to guarantee all launches from the Eastern Range keep the launch vehicle, range personnel and the local community safe. 

The mission starts before the launch countdown begins. Members of the SLD 45 team are responsible for analyzing specific payloads, launch vehicles and their proposed trajectories to compute hazard zones. These zones span land, sea and air and are a crucial to ensuring no person or vehicle is operating within a specified distance of the pad. 

"Each hazardous area reflects hours of trajectory analysis, debris analysis and coordination across multiple agencies," said Emma Cusano, SLD 45 flight safety analyst and aerospace engineer. "When it comes to launch, safety is our No. 1 priority, regardless of whether it is crewed or not."

Prior to launch, the SLD 45 Office of Emergency Management coordinates with state and local leaders to develop plans for an anomaly. Taking the hazard zones into account, the office proactively decides on where roadblocks should be placed, how traffic will flow and where emergency response vehicles will be staged in case of necessary response.

"We are committed to doing everything we can in the planning phase to ensure we are ready to execute our emergency response plans," said Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Ridgway, SLD 45 installation emergency manager. "Having effective plans in place is necessary for both ensuring the safety of the local community and the astronauts in the capsule."

The Office of Emergency Management oversees and activates the launch emergency operations center. The operations center's primary function is to survey and respond to any and all potential dangers a launch could pose to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Because of the inherently volatile nature of spaceflight, the center remains staffed during launch to act as a node for disseminating emergency information and direction.

To safely get the launch vehicle from the pad to orbit, the 1st Range Operations Squadron and the 45th Weather Squadron are key players in each mission. The 1st Range Operations Squadron is responsible for performing real-time command and control of the Eastern Range. The team continuously analyzes telemetry data, weather and numerous other factors to determine whether a launch is safe to proceed.

The 45th Weather Squadron supplements the squadron in its uninterrupted investigation of current and future conditions. Weather plays a crucial role in safety and launch success as inclement conditions can damage rockets and payloads. Examining the weather helps to advise SLD 45 personnel on the console.

"Access to space would not be possible without the contributions of SLD 45 and its oversight of the Eastern Range," said Space Force Col. Joyce Bulson, SLD 45 deputy commander for operations. "These contributions enabled more than 100 launches in 2025, and we aim to only increase the pace."

South of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the 45th Logistics Readiness Squadron postures airfield support to facilitate the Air Force Detachment 3's human spaceflight recovery team, which plays the role of overseeing rescue forces at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida.

"I am extremely proud of the members of SLD 45 and their continued determination in executing the mission. These professionals train day in and day out to guarantee space access," said Space Force Col. Brian Chatman, SLD 45 commander. "They are the driving force to maintaining U.S. presence and superiority in the space domain."

In addition to the components already mentioned that support launch, SLD 45 includes many more teams and organizations that enable space launch from the Eastern Range. As the pace of launches and mass to orbit increases, SLD 45 personnel remain committed to safety and mission success.

Standards 'Vital' to Navy, NASA Mission, Butch Wilmore Says

March 27, 2026 | By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News |

In early 2025, NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Suni Williams — both retired Navy captains — were nearing nine months aboard the International Space Station, where they had been stranded since June 2024. The two were rescued and returned to Earth March 18, after spending 286 days in space.

During a visit to the Pentagon yesterday, Wilmore spoke with service members about service, space, leadership and the importance of standards. 

Wilmore joined the Navy after finishing college in 1986. He attended flight school and served as a pilot in tactical jets, including the A-7E Corsair II and the F/A-18 Hornet. He served in Operations Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Southern Watch and has logged over 8,000 flight hours and 663 carrier landings. He's a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, and as a test pilot, he participated in developing the T-45 Goshawk trainer aircraft. 

It wasn't until 2000, Wilmore said, that he was accepted into NASA's astronaut program. 

"I didn't join the Navy to become an astronaut," he said. "I joined the Navy to serve my country. And how I thought I would do it, I had a jet in my mind's eye." 

After completing a couple of master's degrees and flight school, he said he was looking for more. 

"I'm like, 'Hey, you can't fly any higher and faster than the space shuttle — let's try that,'" he said. "So again, the Lord gave me that desire in my heart as well."

Preparation for becoming an astronaut, he said, came from everything he'd done previously as a Navy pilot. 

"Think about putting on a one-man space capsule and going out into the vacuum of space, and the responsibility required for that," he said. "This is something obviously that I did with NASA, but you don't get prepared for this type of thing to be able to do it well and take on that responsibility without the foundation that takes place before you get there, and that was, for me, ... in our United States military."

Commitment, preparation and resilience, Wilmore said, are things he brought to the NASA job, things he learned in the Navy. 

The jobs of service members and of astronauts are not really jobs at all, he said. They are commitments. 

"This is something that is a way of life, and you've got to be all in," he said. "Because if you're not, you're not going to be able to do this job to the level that is required. And that commitment breeds the desire to be prepared. I mean, absolutely 100% prepared." 

The Navy veteran spoke about the "great responsibility" every service member has, as well as the resiliency required to do their jobs.

"Resiliency is something that is learned," he said. "It is a trait that comes with rigor: blood, sweat and tears. That's where resiliency is born, and it becomes toughness and focus and fairness and all that rolled into fortitude, that term ... that we have to have in our military." 

Wilmore added that the biggest factor affecting resilience is leadership — something he also learned in the Navy. 

"Leadership is required; absolute leadership makes or breaks this resiliency that has its foundation as commitment, preparation and responsibility." 

He described a successful leader as resilient, morally and ethically sound, meek, humble, timely, adaptable, sacrificial and unselfish.

"And realizes their words have power," he said. "You've got to realize that, and you've got to wield that sword effectively and with compassion and with care. And of course, you've got to be disciplined and determined. You have to be, especially for what you guys are responsible for every single day. I've lived it, I've seen it, I've reaped the benefits of great leaders instilling these characteristics in me, and for that, I am greatly thankful." 

Shortly after taking the helm of the Pentagon last year, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth outlined plans to revive the warrior ethos, rebuild the U.S. military and reestablish deterrence with a focus on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, standards and readiness. 

Wilmore said success, both in the Navy as a pilot and at NASA as an astronaut, depends deeply on those very things the secretary is focused on now. 

"They are vital," he said, adding that success in particular is not possible without standards. "I'm so grateful that our military is doing what it's doing right now, because these standards are there for a reason." 

Wilmore said performance standards exist for the safety and benefit of the entire military, noting that "most of them are written in blood." 

He said his faith is another important element of his own success in both the Navy and NASA. 

When the Starliner spacecraft that took Wilmore and Williams into space in 2024 lost several of its thrusters — limiting maneuvering abilities — he knew he and his teammate would be stranded in space for some time. He said it was his faith that kept him pressing on. 

He described himself, both in maneuvering the Starline craft when it lost thrusters, and later when he was stranded on the space station, as being "content." He cited a biblical story featuring the Apostle Paul, who was beaten, stoned and left for dead, as a way to illustrate this. 

"What does [Paul] say? He says, 'I am content,'" Wilmore said. "In the moment, this moment [in the spacecraft], and others I've had in the past, if I am trying to be what the Lord would have me be — in line, in step with where he would have me be — if I'm anything other than content, I'm not trusting. Paul was content ... he knows he's right where the Lord would have him be, even amongst the trials he's undergoing. And that's contentment. And that's what I try to line my beliefs up, and my understanding with; and that's where I was. That's why I was content." 

Wilmore is a veteran of three space flights and has logged 464 days in space, along with over 31 hours during five spacewalks. 

Department of War Secures Agreement on THAAD Seeker Production, Quadrupling Output to Bolster America's Missile Defense

March 25, 2026 |

The Department of War, in partnership with BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin, today announced a framework agreement to quadruple the production of seekers for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor. This agreement ensures the nation's industrial might is positioned to deliver on President Trump and Secretary Hegseth's mandate to build the Arsenal of Freedom. 

The agreement follows the recent announcement with Lockheed Martin to quadruple THAAD interceptor production. By securing the industrial base for the missile's seeker, the Department of War is moving beyond deals with prime contractors and is actively architecting the resurgence of America's defense industrial capacity across the entire supply chain. 

This agreement provides BAE Systems with the stability required for long-term investment, guaranteeing that this critical component in the supply chain is delivered at speed and scale to deter and defeat any adversary. 

"Securing our supply chain is just as critical as our partnership with the prime contractors," said Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. "This agreement with BAE Systems sends a clear, stable, long-term demand signal. We are providing the certainty our partners need to invest, expand, and hire. This is how we place the industrial base on a wartime footing."

By locking in this critical component, the Department of War is ensuring that the nation's capacity to build and deploy this vital defensive weapon will outpace any adversary's threat to the United States or its allies. This is the Arsenal of Freedom in action, built to ensure peace through undeniable strength.

This initiative is a powerful demonstration of the Department's revitalized Acquisition Transformation Strategy, put into practice by the work of the Munitions Acceleration Council. The Council is executing its mandate to dismantle barriers, forge stronger industry partnerships, and build enduring production capacity. By locking in the THAAD seeker supply, the Department is transforming to a new way of doing business, focused on speed, volume, and delivering a decisive overmatch against any threat.

Innovation in Action: Airman-Built 3D Model Strengthens Air Traffic Controller Training

March 20, 2026 | By Air Force Senior Airman Imani West, 19th Airlift Wing |

Airmen assigned to the 19th Operations Support Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, are taking a creative approach to training the next generation of air traffic controllers by developing a detailed 3D model that visually represents aircraft patterns and procedures used at the installation.

 
The innovation demonstrates how airmen are leveraging emerging technologies and creative problem-solving to improve training and operational readiness. 
 
The immersive training tool was designed and produced by Air Force Airman Jay Perry, 19th OSS air traffic control apprentice. It provides a scale representation of the base's airspace and flight patterns. The project was inspired by an idea from Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan Sanders, 19th OSS noncommissioned officer in charge of training and standardization. 
 
Traditional training methods often rely on instructors holding model aircraft or cards to demonstrate aircraft positions and movements. While effective, the approach can make it difficult for visual and tactile learners to fully imagine spacing, conflict points and maneuvering patterns.

 
"This model allows us to physically show where aircraft may break in the pattern, extend downwind or maneuver differently," Sanders said. "It helps airmen understand when conflict may exist or when it doesn't, based on the flight path." 
 
The model re-creates the installation's airspace layout at scale and uses magnets to hold miniature aircraft in place, allowing instructors to demonstrate real-world scenarios more accurately. The enhanced visualization helps trainees better understand aircraft spacing, sequencing and potential conflict areas. 
 
Perry used a 3D modeling program to build his creation, but he made it by manipulating shapes to create detailed designs. After designing each component digitally, Perry prepared the parts for printing and produced them using multiple 3D printers available at the base innovation lab.

 
The process required careful planning, preparation and experimentation. 
 
"Everything started from a single block in the design software," Perry said. "Each piece had to be separated and designed in a way that it could be printed and assembled later. It might look simple when you see the final model, but a lot of thought went into making sure the supports, slopes and connections would actually work." 
 
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the model could support its own structure at the scale required to accurately represent the airfield. The team experimented with different stand designs and angles to create a realistic yet durable layout.

 
By transforming abstract training concepts into a physical, visual model, the 19th Operations Support Squadron is helping trainees better grasp the complexities of airfield operations. This ensures controllers are better equipped to manage the skies above the base. 
 
The project also highlights a broader culture of innovation across the installation, where airmen at every level are encouraged to identify challenges and develop solutions that enhance mission effectiveness.

Joint Statement Reaffirming a Shared Commitment to Defense Industrial Resilience

March 20, 2026 |

The following text was jointly agreed upon by the 16 members of the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR): the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, and the United Kingdom following the 2nd Annual PIPIR Plenary meeting.

We, the National Armaments Directors and senior government officials of the member nations of the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR), convened for our 2nd Annual Plenary meeting, virtually, on March 18, 2026, to reaffirm our commitment to accelerating defense industrial cooperation.

We reaffirmed the PIPIR Statement of Core Vision and Terms of Reference, discussed the collective challenges and opportunities to defense industrial cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and endorsed the 2026 roadmap for PIPIR workstream initiatives.

We also endorsed the accession of Thailand and the United Kingdom to PIPIR, welcoming them as the 15th and 16th members, respectively, to join our Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic partnership. Collectively, we are committed to strengthening defense industrial resilience to promote the continued regional security, economic security, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.

We discussed current capacity shortfalls and resilience challenges in the global defense industrial base that impede our ability to meet combined operational needs but acknowledged positive momentum through PIPIR in addressing barriers to increased armaments cooperation. We further reaffirmed our commitment to exploring avenues across the Partnership to strengthen defense industrial base integration to de-risk supply chains, expand forward sustainment capacity, remove policy and regulatory impediments to cooperation, and accelerate production of key systems and components.

We discussed the significant progress that has been achieved through PIPIR since its establishment, recalling the announcement of two marquee initiatives by the U.S. Secretary of War at the Shangri-La Dialogue in May 2025, including the development of a forward repair capability for P-8 radar systems in Australia and the development of standards for small unmanned aerial systems across the Indo-Pacific. We agreed to the following next steps for these marquee initiatives:

• Expanding the scope of the regional sustainment hub in Australia to support additional P-8 operators in the Indo-Pacific, a project recently announced at the Shangri-La Dialogue in May 2025.
• Endorsing four Statements of Intent to foster cooperation on small unmanned aerial systems' battery and small motor development through executing an industry survey and sharing results among participants, pursuing reciprocal standards and a common procurement policy, and identifying efforts towards a future battery project.

We agreed that PIPIR continues to make tangible progress toward addressing barriers and accelerating defense industrial collaboration to promote a stronger, more resilient, more integrated, defense industrial base. We also reaffirmed the importance of multilateral frameworks such as PIPIR to help facilitate the rapid delivery of relevant capabilities to our combined defense forces. In doing so, we took measure of the progress made since our last plenary on these efforts:

• Building on the success of the Multinational Armaments Resilience Seminar, the first Indo-Pacific focused multinational armaments cooperation course, to be executed on a yearly basis, and co-hosted by the Department of War's Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies and rotating PIPIR members.
• Continuing our campaign of learning through multiple industrial base-focused subject-matter expert exchanges, tabletop exercises, and collaborative learning events.

We also discussed and endorsed several new lines of effort that will strengthen the Partnership by creating more opportunities for collaboration and will advance defense industrial resilience in the Indo-Pacific and globally:

• Committing to a project that will explore feasibility and opportunity to establish a forward-deployed F100/F110 engine repair hub in Japan, which, will support regional sustainment for F-15 and F-16 platforms operated by the United States Air Force and partner nations.
• Progressing the effort to establish a CH-47 Chinook T-55 engine repair hub in the Republic of Korea, a project recently announced at the US-ROK Logistics Cooperations Committee in July 2025.
• Establishment of a new Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) production initiative between the US and Japan, chaired by Japan.
• Expanding energetics and munitions development by assessing the potential for interest and funding for the 30mm-by-173mm ammunition load, assemble, and pack line effort with the Philippines.
• Supporting regional co-production opportunities by exploring modular UAV projects across many mission sets.
• Instituting new tools and techniques, such as a project development guide, that provides a methodology to identify and assess future collaborations resulting in enhanced project efficiency and efficacy, information sharing, and transparency among governments, industry partners, and stakeholders.

Air Force Research Laboratory Tests Draper Liquid Rocket Engine in Flight

March 17, 2026 | By Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs Office |

The Air Force Research Laboratory and an aerospace technology and defense systems contractor recently flew the Affordable Rapid Missile Demonstrator, powered by the Draper liquid rocket engine, achieving supersonic speeds and demonstrating key concepts of operations. This flight is an innovative step toward advancing capabilities that strengthen deterrence and provide rapid global strike options.

"This project proves that we can transform and leverage our acquisition models to rapidly deliver critical technology advancements to deter and win in a future conflict," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Bartolomei, AFRL commander and Air Force technology executive officer. "We are not just building a single missile; we are forging a new path toward a cost-effective, mass-producible deterrent for the nation."

This sentiment is echoed by the contractor's leaders, who emphasized their shared commitment to the ARMD program's speed and cost-effectiveness. This project represents a new paradigm for accelerating research and development of critical defense technologies, rooted in fast-paced, effective public-private partnerships.

"This flight proves that you can get a vehicle with a safe, storable and throttleable liquid engine in the air quickly and affordably," said Chris Spagnoletti, contractor CEO. "We went from contract to flight-ready of an all-up round and propulsion system in just eight months."

This demonstration of the Draper liquid rocket engine leverages several years of the contractor work on their Hadley liquid rocket engine, along with an enduring public-private partnership with AFRL to develop these new rocket propulsion technologies.

"ARMD represents a key milestone in our efforts to develop revolutionary, affordable and scalable liquid rocket engine technologies to win the wars of tomorrow," said Javier Urzay, AFRL rocket propulsion division chief.

Mastering the First Breath: Navy Medicine Research Prepares Warfighters Against Cold's Lethal Shock

March 11, 2026 | By Matthew Reyes, Naval Health Research Center |

The first plunge into icy water is a shock to the system. For a warfighter operating in extreme cold weather environments, a fall into near-freezing seas isn't a mishap; it's a life-or-death battle that is won or lost in the first few minutes. 
 
This research mission took Naval Health Research Center scientists to the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California, where they spent six days doing research in the harsh Sierra Nevada winter. Working in air temperatures hovering at 19 degrees and with water temperatures at 34 degrees, the team focused on equipping U.S. warfighters with practical survival skills for extreme conditions.

The project, funded by the Office of Naval Research, is directly aimed at improving survival rates during a mass casualty incident at sea, such as a torpedoed ship in arctic waters. Researchers from the center's environmental and thermal physiology team are investigating cold-environment survival to understand and combat a silent killer known as the "cold shock response," a leading threat in sudden cold exposure scenarios.  
 
"Most people's first worry is hypothermia, but in order to actually become hypothermic, you have to survive the cold shock response," said Rebecca Weller, a research physiologist with the research center. "The initial moments in cold water are often the most dangerous, and how you control your breathing in those moments can determine whether you survive." 
 
That initial, involuntary gasp for air upon hitting cold water, the rapid and uncontrolled breathing, and the spike in heart rate and blood pressure are all hallmarks of the cold shock response — a series of immediate bodily reactions to sudden cold exposure. This physiological response can quickly lead to aspirating water, cognitive impairment and drowning. Research suggests that this response is the cause of death in up to 60% of accidental cold-water immersions, long before the body's core temperature begins to drop. 

 
The environmental and thermal physiology team, led by principal investigator Doug Jones, partnered with the warfare training center to conduct a vital study during its cold-weather medicine course. Students, mostly Navy hospital corpsmen, enrolled in the course prepared for the rigors of cold weather operations and also had the opportunity to volunteer as subjects in an experiment designed to find a simple, effective defense against cold shock. 
 
The day before a planned cold-water immersion, study participants underwent baseline testing for stress, anxiety and information recall. They also received specialized training in slow-paced breathing. 
 
The next morning, volunteers were fitted with an array of sophisticated data-collection devices — heart rate straps and core and skin temperature monitors. The most critical piece of equipment, however, was a spirometer, which measures the volume and rate of breathing.

The goal was to see if a simple breathing exercise could override the body's instinct to panic. 
 
"We are trying to develop a technique and strategy that can limit the stress associated with accidental cold-water immersion," Jones said. 
 
The research center is currently analyzing data from these tests. Based on a preliminary review of the data, the group trained in slow-paced breathing appears to have demonstrated a lower, more controlled breathing rate during the immersion than the untrained control group. They were actively using the technique to fight the body's involuntary response. 
 
The team is now analyzing how controlled breathing impacts the cold shock response and operational performance, such as completion of the nine-line task to determine if a patient needs to be evacuated. During the immersion, participants were tasked with performing the test — a standard military procedure that requires clear thinking and precise communication. The ability to perform such a task under the intense physiological stress of cold shock can mean the difference between life and death for a service member. 

 
Ultimately, the findings from this research will provide evidence-based data to validate and refine training protocols across the U.S. military. The ultimate goal is to provide the military with evidence-based tools that can be quickly taught to any service member and integrated into official guidance like the Navy's Cold Weather Handbook for Surface Ships, to add strategies for surviving the initial moments of cold-water immersion. 
 
"How you control your breathing in those initial moments of cold-water immersion can determine whether you survive it," Weller emphasized. "By practicing these techniques in a controlled environment, service members may gain the confidence and muscle memory to execute them when it counts." 
 
These findings will educate a new generation of warfighters — more prepared, more adaptable and more lethal — armed with the knowledge to conquer one of nature's most unforgiving environments. They are proving that in the face of the cold's deadly gasp, the most powerful weapon can be a single, controlled breath. 
 
Through a wide range of research, including its cold-water immersion studies, the research center develops strategies that enable the warfighter to overcome the many health and performance-related challenges they face in the course of their duties. This research provides the Navy, Marine Corps and joint forces with the opportunity to develop tools to maintain cognitive function and enhance survivability in the most extreme maritime environments.

IATF-401, FAA to Conduct Advanced Counter-Drone Laser Test at White Sands Missile Range

March 6, 2026 |

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 and the Federal Aviation Administration will conduct a high-energy laser test on March 7-8, 2026, to continue advancing the safe use of counter-unmanned aerial systems in the United States.

This test is part of a long-term, multi-year partnership between the Department of War and the FAA to ensure counter-drone technologies are safely integrated into the national airspace. The plan has been jointly developed by a wide range of stakeholders, with support from the White House Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty. Key partners supporting the JIATF-401 laser test include the FAA, White Sands Missile Range, the Army Program Acquisition Executive-Fires, Northern Command, and Joint Task Force Southern Border.

"This is a critical step in making sure our warfighters have the most advanced tools to defend the homeland," said U.S. Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, Director of JIATF-401. "By working hand-in-hand with the FAA and our interagency partners, we are ensuring that these cutting-edge capabilities are safe, effective, and ready to protect Americans from emerging drone threats. Our measure of success is to quickly deliver state-of-the-art C-UAS capability to the warfighter, and this test furthers that mission."

The test is a continuation of extensive testing conducted by the DoW over the last few decades. Earlier tests provided valuable data, further refining the system's capabilities and advancing the collaborative effort between DoW and the FAA. This upcoming event will specifically address FAA safety concerns while gathering data about the laser’s material effects on aircraft surrogates, validating the functionality of automated safety shut-off systems, and informing analyses for aircrew eye safety.

To maximize collaboration, representatives from the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and the New Mexico National Guard will be in attendance. The test underscores an ongoing unified federal effort to counter threats posed by unmanned aerial systems while maintaining the sovereignty and safety of U.S. airspace.

U.S. Space Force Strengthens Partnerships at 45th Cobra Gold

March 2, 2026 | By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Giovanni Sims, 8th Fighter Wing |

Space Force guardians are participating in the 45th iteration of Cobra Gold for the first time in the exercise's history, marking a milestone for the service and further integrating space as a warfighting domain within one of the Indo-Pacific's largest multinational exercises, Feb. 23 to March 6.

The presence of guardians at Cobra Gold signals the continued evolution of the Space Force. It reinforces the U.S.-Thai alliance by enhancing multinational crisis response, mission effectiveness and capability across all domains.

"This marks a significant milestone for the United States Space Force," said Space Force Maj. Jonathan Brydie, a military exchange program embed assigned to the Joint Force Space Component, Headquarters Joint Operations Command. "As our service continues to mature, our participation demonstrates that we can support real-world operations and major multinational exercises simultaneously. It reinforces that space is a warfighting domain. Integrating space from the outset ensures the joint force operates with synchronized effects across air, land, maritime, cyber and space."

As the Air Force's newest military service, the Space Force was established to organize, train and equip forces to protect the United States and allied interests in, from and to space. Its integration into Cobra Gold reflects both operational necessity and the evolving character of warfare.

"Integrating space into Cobra Gold enhances the exercise by educating Indo-Pacific partners on the operational role of the space domain during conflict," said Space Force Capt. Nicholas Braga, Space Forces Korea chief of future operations. "It also opens dialogue on how nations can responsibly develop and integrate space capabilities that contribute to regional stability."

In support of Cobra Gold, guardians contributed expertise in space domain awareness, defensive and offensive space operations and operational-level space planning required to maintain space superiority. Rather than operating in isolation, Space Force personnel are embedded alongside air, land, maritime and cyber planners to integrate space effects into decision-making processes.

"We are ensuring space is a deliberate consideration at every decision point," Braga said. "Branch plans and contingency options are developed with space effects integrated from the beginning, giving commanders greater clarity and flexibility in achieving mission objectives."

The operational importance of space domain awareness was a central theme throughout the exercise.

"Most command and control systems rely on satellites and space-enabled networks," Brydie said. "Space superiority is now as vital as air superiority in modern conflict. Maintaining awareness of the space environment allows us to protect those systems and ensure the joint force can operate without disruption."

Beyond operational integration, Cobra Gold provided an opportunity for the Space Force to deepen relationships with regional allies actively developing their own space competencies.

"It has been a tremendous opportunity to collaborate with partner nations," Braga said. "The United States is not the only space-capable entity in this region. Working alongside the Republic of Korea and other allies strengthens trilateral and multilateral integration. The cohesion built here enhances deterrence and reinforces our collective posture across Indo-Pacom."

Coalition partners emphasize shared responsibility in the space domain is essential to regional stability.

"Participating in Cobra Gold demonstrates a shared commitment to the responsible and secure use of space," said Royal Australian Air Force Staff Officer Mark Wilson, wing commander of Joint Force Space Component, Headquarters Joint Operations Command. "It shows we are willing and capable of sharing information and operational experience to achieve common security objectives."

"For the U.S. Space Force, Cobra Gold 2026 serves as both a milestone and platform to demonstrate the service's ability to integrate seamlessly within a complex multinational environment while delivering operational advantage to the joint force," Braga said.

From space domain awareness to operational-level planning, guardians ensured space effects were integrated at every stage of execution reinforcing deterrence, strengthening alliances and advancing the service's role as an essential component of joint and coalition operations in the Indo-Pacific.