Delivering at Speed: How Agile Innovation is Reshaping Defense Acquisition

Original broadcast 6/24/25

Presented by Mission Technologies, HII

For Grant Hagen, President of Warfare Systems at HII Mission Technologies innovation isn’t just about the next big idea—it’s about getting that idea into the hands of the warfighter, fast. In this episode of DefenseTech TV, Hagen lays out how his team is using agile development practices, rapid user feedback, and a deep understanding of the defense ecosystem to accelerate outcomes for national security.

"Our focus is always on delivering capability quickly," Hagen says. "We build alongside the warfighter. They help shape the solution from the beginning."

This end-user-first approach is a departure from the traditional defense acquisition model, which often required lengthy requirements documents and multi-year development cycles. Instead, Hagen’s team embeds with operational users, captures direct feedback, and builds solutions iteratively through a DevSecOps model—continuous integration, rapid testing, and secure delivery.

It’s not just a philosophy; it’s a practice rooted in real-world exercises. Hagen emphasizes how participation in defense tech demonstrations and field events enables quick validation of new systems. "We try to get technology scheduled into exercises," he explains. "It gives us real user feedback, which we then use to refine the product."

That refinement often happens in short cycles, which contrasts sharply with the rigid milestone-driven acquisition culture of the past. Hagen credits a cultural shift within the Department of Defense, pointing to greater use of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs) as contract vehicles that allow more flexible, problem-driven approaches.

"The department has gotten better at articulating big problems, not prescribing exact solutions," Hagen notes. That lets companies innovate, iterate, and adjust as the mission requires.

This flexibility also prevents wasted effort. If a solution isn’t hitting the mark, Hagen says, his team moves on. "Don’t bring it back and iterate endlessly on something that isn’t solving the problem. Move to the next idea."

Integration is another core theme. Whether it’s aligning multiple vendor systems, interfacing with coalition partners, or building for future architectures like CJADC2, Hagen’s approach starts with designing for interoperability from day one.

"If you know integration is happening upfront, you can build for it," he says. That includes working with government teams to define interface standards early and testing them rapidly.

When it comes to multi-domain operations—land, sea, air, space, cyber—Hagen believes industry has a unique advantage: visibility across service branches. "We work with the Navy, Marines, Air Force, and intelligence community. That gives us a cross-service perspective on how solutions can integrate."

This cross-pollination fuels better design. Hagen explains that insights gained from one service often inform innovation for others, helping bridge silos that have historically limited joint capability development.

Internally, Hagen fosters innovation through what he calls "pulling the problem out" of the customer. Every HII team member is encouraged to gather insights, even if they’re outside their project scope. Those insights feed IRAD (internal R&D) projects and product teams who work in parallel with program delivery.

"We empower our teams to get close to the user," he says. "That’s how we stay ahead of what’s needed."

Looking forward, Hagen sees the future of warfare as being defined by agility. Platforms must evolve as missions change. Technologies must be fielded and updated faster. And decisions must be made with trusted data.

To get there, he says, the department must keep improving access to real-world data during exercises and acquisition planning. This data enables developers to simulate, test, and optimize systems under operational conditions.

"Data is everything," Hagen says. "Intel, tactical feeds, platform data—we combine it to create decision tools for the operator."

Ultimately, Hagen’s philosophy comes down to two priorities: speed and relevance. If technology can’t be delivered quickly or doesn’t solve a real problem, it has no place in the defense pipeline.

"Speed is of the essence," he concludes. "Innovation isn’t just about invention. It’s about impact."

Key Takeaways:

• Agile, user-informed development is replacing rigid acquisition models

• Field exercises offer fast feedback loops for product validation and refinement

• Flexible contract vehicles like OTAs and CSOs are enabling innovation

• Integration must be designed from the start to support multi-domain and coalition ops

• Innovation succeeds when it delivers real solutions to real problems—fast

Excerpts from this conversation are featured on DefenseTech TV. Watch the full program at DefenseTech.TV.