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Applied Artificial Intelligence | Biomanufacturing | Contested Logistics Technologies | Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance | Scaled Hypersonics |

Scaled Directed Energy

Of Special Interest – Applicable to all 6 CTAs

Department of War's Critical Technologies Office Partners With In-Q-Tel to Accelerate Technology From Non-Traditional Performers to the Warfighter

The Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (R&E), through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies (CT), has announced an agreement to partner with the Central Intelligence Agency and In-Q-Tel (IQT), a not-for-profit strategic investor that has served the national security community since 1999.

Under the agreement, IQT will conduct technology scouting and technical due diligence across all six CTAs, as well as across enabling technology areas, while the Department identifies transition sponsors and pathways for validated technologies.

https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4617047/department-of-wars-critical-technologies-office-partners-with-in-q-tel-to-accel/

Applied Artificial Intelligence

Gecko Robotics, Anduril team up for new Baltimore County shipyard (CTB)

WASHINGTON — Gecko Robotics will deploy its robotics and AI software at Anduril facilities, the company announced today, as Anduril prepares to launch its new Arsenal-2 shipyard in Baltimore County, Md., to manufacture submarine parts. 

Gecko Robotics will utilize its inspection technology and its AI-powered software to conduct non-destructive testing (NDT) on these submarine components and will establish a “digital thread” of data to assist with maintenance planning, per Gecko’s announcement.

“It allows us to go in and assess and create that digital baseline of the actual, as-built condition of this critical component, and so it takes things like our robotic capability and actually gathers and sort of inspects what’s going on subsurface within the weld, etc.,” Troy Demmer, co-founder and president of

Gecko Robotics, told Breaking Defense. 

https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/gecko-robotics-anduril-team-up-for-new-baltimore-county-shipyard/

Army’s Autonomy Shake-Up

Reporting live from AUSA: The Army is giving autonomy a major promotion, with plans to transform its Futures Command into the Futures and Autonomous Systems Command (FASCOM) as it pushes to bring autonomous technologies into combat formations. Gen. Christopher LaNeve announced the shake-up today, outlining plans to consolidate five research and modernization organizations under a three-star general. “This goes beyond drones,” LaNeve said. The Army is planning corps-level experiments that will put autonomous systems through their paces across the service’s five corps. Those tests will include autonomous fires, armored reconnaissance, watercraft, obstacle breaching, aerial surveillance, and aircraft teaming. The bigger picture? The Army wants autonomous capabilities fielded by fiscal year 2028, with FASCOM coordinating the research and experimentation to help get them there. The future of Army warfare is getting a little less hands-on.

https://www.meritalk.com/articles/army-taps-futures-command-for-autonomy-overhaul-plans-corps-level-testing/ - The Wrap, October 13, 2026

US Navy deploys unmanned maritime drone to support carrier strike group in historic first

The U.S. military is deploying a sizeable autonomous maritime drone with a Navy carrier strike group to support and enhance a real-world conflict operation for the first time, according to the sea service’s acting Secretary Hung Cao.

“The Teddy Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group just deployed on October 8 with a medium-sized unmanned surface vessel. This is the first carrier strike group to ever deploy with a large-size unmanned surface vessel, and this is a force multiplier,” Cao said Wednesday. “Imagine having more guns out there.”

This USV deployment with it comes as each of the individual military services and the broader joint force hustle to adopt drones and related autonomous systems to meet new demands emerging in contemporary warfare. For the Navy, that involves enabling a hybrid, “Golden Fleet” that fuses AI and robotic platforms with traditional manned ships in a way that rapidly transforms how sailors fight.

https://defensescoop.com/2026/10/16/us-navy-deploys-unmanned-maritime-drone-to-support-carrier-strike-group-in-historic-first/

Biomanufacturing

We’re introducing SynthID Bio, bringing our watermarking technology to synthetic biology.

We’re introducing SynthID Bio, bringing our watermarking technology to synthetic biology.

SynthID Bio embeds an imperceptible, verifiable watermark directly into biological designs, such as AI-generated protein sequences and predicted 3D structures.

In laboratory tests across target proteins, our watermarked designs successfully matched the performance and natural diversity of unwatermarked versions. This creates a vital provenance layer to strengthen biosecurity and preserve the integrity of open scientific databases.

https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/models-and-research/google-deepmind/synthid-bio/

Defense Industrial Base: DOD Efforts to Develop Domestic Biomanufacturing

GAO Report

DOD’s Office of Industrial Base Policy and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD (R&E)) identified that the U.S. does not have sufficient infrastructure necessary to support the advancement of promising biotechnology projects from the laboratory to commercial production and to establish new supply chains, particularly pilot-scale facilities.

Since 2021, DOD has invested $965.2 million across three initiatives designed to support promising biotechnology projects and establish domestic biomanufacturing supply chains.

These efforts include:

• Investing in biomanufacturing projects developed in military department laboratories to further mature into products that the warfighter can use
• Collaborating with industry and other partners to build a network of biomanufacturing facilities across the U.S.
• Providing support for industry partners to plan and construct commercial-scale production facilities in the U.S. for biomaterials with both defense and commercial applications.

DOD’s plans for supporting biomanufacturing in the future are pending but DOD’s forthcoming biotechnology roadmap will provide more insights.

https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107797

Contested Logistics

University of Arkansas starts ‘Contested Logistics’ multidisciplinary initiative

The University of Arkansas recently established the Contested Logistics Consortium, a multidisciplinary initiative to bring together leaders from across campus to advance research, develop leaders and strengthen supply chain resilience.

The consortium is housed in the Sam M. Walton College of Business and led by Brian Fugate, associate dean for graduate programs and research and chair of the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management. The consortium builds on the university’s nationally recognized leadership in supply chain management while drawing expertise from disciplines across campus, including engineering, data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and public policy.

One of the consortium’s first major initiatives will be the inaugural Made in America Contested Logistics Summit taking place Sept. 10-11 at Ledger in Bentonville. The summit, co-hosted by the Walton College, Station NWA and Capital Factory, will bring together leaders in manufacturing, entrepreneurship, defense and supply chain innovation to explore how resilient domestic manufacturing, dual-use technologies and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen economic competitiveness and national preparedness.

https://talkbusiness.net/2026/08/university-of-arkansas-starts-contested-logistics-multidisciplinary-initiative/

Powering the fight: Army Special Forces logisticians validate support capabilities

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Bracing against the crushing downwash of a hovering UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, a U.S. Soldier grasped a static discharge wand to ensure a safe sling load hookup. Across the training area, another team meticulously tested fuel samples for contaminants and monitored pressure gauges as they prepared to refuel an AH-64 Apache.

These Soldiers were not aviation crew chiefs. Instead, they were 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) logisticians; including motor transport operators, fuel specialists and supply clerks. Understanding the complexities of non-standard logistics required to sustain military operations in austere environments, 3rd SFG(A) logisticians are leaning forward to keep pace with evolving security challenges, building an expeditionary refueling point and conducting sling-load resupply operations in a rugged, bare-bones environment.

https://www.army.mil/article/296227/powering_the_fight_army_special_forces_logisticians_validate_support_capabilities

Contested Logistics: Keeping Forces in the Fight

The Department’s recent designation of Contested Logistics Technologies as one of its six Critical Technology Areas is an important signal. It affirms something conflicts have made clear: the ability to sustain the force is just as important as the ability to fight.

In a contested environment, logistics is no longer a background function operating safely behind lines. Fuel, ammunition, spare parts, maintenance, transportation, electricity, communications, and technical expertise can all be disrupted—or deliberately targeted.

That changes the question from “Can we get it there?” to “Can we sustain combat power in place if we can’t move additional power there?”

Check out these resources on Contested Logistics and the Regional Sustainment Framework: See the following URL -- https://www.waru.edu/blogs/contested-logistics-keeping-forces-fight

Pentagon looks to AI, other tech to help tackle contested logistics challenges

“How we're going to win in sort of a contested logistics fight is having access to data," said Brent Ingraham, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology.

With U.S. military supply chains facing a growing risk of adversary attack, senior defense officials are keen on using AI and other advanced technologies to address the challenges associated with contested logistics.

Supply chains face a variety of potential threats, including kinetic strikes, cyberattacks, geopolitical instability and infrastructure vulnerabilities.

“Logistics will be sort of the key as we go forward, ensuring that we can produce the mass and scale and really reconstitute all of our capabilities at a time of need and, you know, much faster than any adversary can,” Brent Ingraham, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, said Tuesday at GDIT’s Emerge: Battlespace of the Future conference, produced by Scoop News Group.

https://defensescoop.com/2026/06/03/military-technology-contested-logistics/

Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance

Department of War Announces $350 Million in Quantum Computing Initiatives

In support of President Trump's mandate for American leadership in quantum, the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (R&E) today announced new initiatives and programmatic updates totaling approximately $350 million to strengthen U.S. leadership in quantum computing capabilities that support national security.

"Dominance in quantum information science is a critical priority for both President Trump and the Department of War. Maintaining American leadership in this field is essential to preserving our technological edge, and R&E is uniquely positioned to drive the innovation needed across academia and industry," said Emil Michael,

Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering.

https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4622109/department-of-war-announces-350-million-in-quantum-computing-initiatives/

Department of War's Office of Strategic Capital Signs $150 Million Conditional Loan Commitment With PsiQuantum

The Department of War's Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) announced today a $150 million conditional loan commitment to PsiQuantum, Corp. to enhance the company's advanced manufacturing and prototyping capabilities in the United States. Building on OSC's ongoing collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)'s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, the proposed loan follows recently awarded funding agreements with DARPA and CHIPS and supports PsiQuantum's novel photonic approach to developing the world's first commercially useful fault-tolerant quantum computer (FTQC).

https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4622113/department-of-wars-office-of-strategic-capital-signs-150-million-conditional-lo/

Scaled Hypersonics

DAF awards ARRW production contract, establishes new hypersonic capabilities

The Department of the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $694 million contract for theproduction and fielding of the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon, Sept. 29, 2026. The contract was executed under the Department of War’s Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract to modernize America’s Arsenal of Freedom.

This milestone marks the formal transition of the boost-glide hypersonic missile program from prototyping and flight testing into production, solidifying the Air Force's commitment to fielding standoff, high-speed strike options.

"This is a turning point in our advanced weapons roadmap,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink.

“By moving ARRW from test to production, we’re providing our combatant commanders with a credible, high-speed strike weapon capable of penetrating the most advanced anti-access and area-denial systems."

https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/4633841/daf-awards-arrw-production-contract-establishes-new-hypersonic-capabilities/

Hypersonic Innovation Conference

The 5^th Annual Hypersonic Innovation Conference was held in Huntsville, Alabama – October 20 and 21 2026. The event page identifies both speakers, topics, sponsors & exhibit and the event “by the numbers”.

The event may have passed but the following are key items to note:

• This is the 5^th annual event. There will likely be a 6^th.
• Conference location: Huntsville, AL
• The topics and agenda provide a lighted pathway – what is of interest. What is needed.
• The topics when combined with the confirmed speakers (their positions and organizations) may assist with market research and networking.
• The numbers show the level of interest.
• Also note that this event has attendance restriction which include: CUI/JCP and citizenship and there is a fee to attend.

Companies interested in this CTB area may want to add this event to their calendar and initiate preparations as needed.

https://www.hypersonicinnovation.com/registration

5^th Annual Hypersonic Weapons & Emerging Technologies Summit

Advancing U.S. Hypersonic & Missile Defense Capabilities

Connect with the defense leaders, program officials and technology experts driving the next generation of

hypersonic strike, detection and missile defense.

There is a cost to attend and attendance restrictions apply.

https://www.americanconference.com/hypersonic-technology/

Scaled Directed Energy

Systems Selected for JIATF 401 Directed-Energy Counter-Drone Pilot Program

DoW announces selection of counter-drone directed energy systems. This marks “the next phase of efforts to expand the operational use of high-energy laser (HEL) and high-powered microwave (HPM) capabilities across the homeland.”

Systems selected are:

• AeroVironment Palletized High-Energy Laser system
• Epirus Leonidas High-Powered Microwave system
• Kord Firefly High-Energy Laser system
• Boeing Compact Laser Weapon system

Directed by the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, the pilot will evaluate these systems' performance providing real-time data and feedback on the systems' requirements, costs, and best practices.

https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4619430/systems-selected-for-jiatf-401-directed-energy-counter-drone-pilot-program/

AUSA NEWS: Army Needs Vehicle-Agnostic High Energy Laser Systems

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the modern battlefield continues to evolve, the U.S. Army is pursuing high energy laser systems that can take down different kinds of air threats and be put on any kind of ground vehicle, service leaders said Oct. 12.

Brig. Gen. Guy Yelverton III, capability program executive for defensive fires at PAE Fires, said modularity is extremely important for ensuring efficient operations on the battlefield.

Traditional counter-unmanned systems capabilities in the past were all tied together in one package, and “if I needed to make some fixes, swap outs, ... that just didn't exist,” he said during a panel discussion at the Association of the United States Army’s annual meeting and exposition.

Instead of a bespoke system that’s built around a single component, the Army is focusing on making open, government-controlled interfaces, “so that we can have any piece parts that can come together and create the whole,” said Kirk Williams, chief engineer at the Army's Directed Energy Project Office.

“Going after modular architecture gives us the flexibility to not only go after increases in reliability, but also increases in performance,” he said during the panel discussion. “It gives us the way to inject new technology into existing systems, and then hopefully it also gives us a way of getting better prices out of some of our vendors.”

https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2026/10/13/army-needs-vehicleagnostic-high-energy-laser-systems

If your organization is looking for assistance in evaluating or pursuing opportunities with DoW or Federal agencies, contact Marc Violante, Director of Federal Market Strategies at marcv@wispro.org

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