Topic of Discussion: Speed and Ease of Technological Innovation Targeted through Defense Policy Bill
The 2026 defense policy bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), is making its way through both the House and Senate, with a focus on accelerating IT modernization and software/technology deployment in the U.S. military.
The key provisions in this bill aim to disrupt the status quo by putting advanced, disruptive technologies in the hands of military units faster and with reduced bureaucratic hurdles.
One of the key areas of focus is the expansion of the military’s integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across its operations. The bill sets aside dedicated funding of at least $250 million for the Defense Department’s AI ecosystem.
Counter-drone operations are another priority, with a total investment of $1.3 billion for kinetic and non-kinetic counter-unmanned aerial systems programs.
The bill also emphasizes the modernization of test and evaluation infrastructure, particularly for AI technologies, to support rapid fielding and assessment of new capabilities.
Innovation accelerators and early-stage research are being significantly funded. The Strategic Capabilities Office receives $600 million, while the Defense Innovation Unit gets $2 billion in flexible funds to integrate commercial technologies rapidly.
The bill also streamlines acquisition processes by cutting red tape, reducing reporting requirements, and promoting adoption of commercial products to speed capability delivery to warfighters.
Establishing dedicated program offices focused on rapid acquisition and scaling of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is another provision. The aim is to prioritize fielding to key combat units by 2026, supported by incentives for U.S. industrial base growth.
A dynamic digital “Blue List” platform is being created by the Defense Contract Management Agency. This platform will catalog certified UAS parts, systems, software, and vendors with ongoing performance ratings to enhance transparency and quality in procurement.
The House version of the bill directs the Defense Innovation Unit to set up more regional outreach centers, known as OnRamp Hubs, including outside the United States. The DIU’s OnRamp Hubs aim to connect local businesses, universities, and talent with DOD needs, strengthening the defense industrial base.
The bill also mandates the launch of the Bridging Operational Objectives and Support for Transition (BOOST) program, which aims to help transition commercial technologies into programs of record. If established, the ATO Expedited Appeals Board would have 90 days to make a decision on ATO applications that have been undecided for more than 180 days.
The Senate bill focuses on the F-35, requiring the establishment of a plan for an open missions system computing environment, capable of connection to all relevant aircraft apertures. Both versions of the bill contain provisions aimed at expanding or speeding up efforts to get new software and technology into the hands of warfighters.
The House bill gives new mandates to the Defense Innovation Unit, an office that develops prototypes and helps scale them into service programs. The bill also requires each of the three military department secretaries to review digital engineering tools and produce a single standard reference architecture for each military service.
The bill also instructs the Secretary of the Air Force to study the ways flightline support equipment can be connected on austere and isolated bases, including the feasibility of incorporating military grade radio systems.
In conclusion, the 2026 defense policy bill is a significant step towards accelerating IT modernization and software/technology deployment in the U.S. military. By focusing on AI integration, counter-drone operations, modernizing test and evaluation infrastructure, innovation accelerators, streamlining acquisition processes, and establishing dedicated program offices, the bill aims to put advanced, disruptive technologies in the hands of military units faster and with reduced bureaucratic hurdles.
- The 2026 defense policy bill allocates at least $250 million for the Defense Department’s AI ecosystem.
- Counter-drone operations receive a total investment of $1.3 billion in the 2026 defense policy bill.
- The bill establishes dedicated program offices for rapid acquisition and scaling of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
- The Defense Contract Management Agency is creating a dynamic digital “Blue List” platform to enhance transparency and quality in procurement.
- The House version of the bill directs the Defense Innovation Unit to set up more regional outreach centers, known as OnRamp Hubs, including outside the United States.
- The 2026 defense policy bill requires the Secretary of the Air Force to study the ways flightline support equipment can be connected on austere and isolated bases, including the feasibility of incorporating military grade radio systems.
