Presented by Carahsoft
Innovation in Government’s special program from Sea-Air-Space brought together senior military leaders and technology executives to examine how the Department of Defense is adapting to an increasingly contested and technologically advanced operating environment. Across conversations focused on artificial intelligence, maritime cybersecurity, Arctic operations, logistics modernization, acquisition reform, autonomous systems, and digital engineering, one consistent message emerged: speed, resilience, and interoperability are now mission critical. Leaders from the Navy, industry, and the defense technology community discussed how commercial innovation is accelerating military modernization, how AI and autonomy are reshaping operational planning, and how cyber threats and global competition are forcing the government to rethink legacy systems and supply chains. The program highlighted the growing importance of government-industry collaboration as agencies work to modernize infrastructure, improve readiness, strengthen deterrence, and prepare the joint force for future conflict across every domain.
Wean described how the convergence of traditional defense technologies with autonomous platforms is reshaping military operations. Autonomous capabilities are increasingly being integrated into drones, missiles, mission control systems, and hybrid manned-unmanned platforms. According to Wean, agencies are now actively seeking ways to deploy these technologies more rapidly while also ensuring they can operate reliably across multiple mission sets and contested environments.
A major driver behind this acceleration is the growing partnership between government agencies and commercial technology providers. Wean emphasized that federal agencies are increasingly relying on commercial companies to deliver innovative technologies faster and at lower cost than traditional acquisition approaches allowed in the past. She noted that agencies are becoming far more open to adopting commercial-off-the-shelf technologies while still allowing for mission-specific customization when necessary.
Wean also stressed that speed alone is not enough. Technology providers must ensure their solutions directly address operational mission needs and can be sustained over the long term. Sustainability, lifecycle cost management, and integration into existing environments remain essential considerations for defense customers. She explained that successful companies are the ones that actively engage with government users, understand their operational challenges, and adapt their products accordingly.
The conversation also explored the role of smaller technology firms entering the federal market. Wean observed that the government is becoming more transparent about mission needs and less prescriptive in defining rigid technical requirements. That shift is creating more opportunities for innovative startups and emerging technology companies to participate in defense programs and bring new capabilities to the warfighter faster than ever before.
Key Takeaways
Berg explained that one of the Navy’s biggest challenges is overcoming technological debt created by aging legacy systems. Modern cyber defense requires architectures that can be updated rapidly, monitored continuously, and integrated with advanced security tools capable of detecting and responding to evolving threats. She highlighted the Navy’s efforts to modernize both shore-based and afloat networks through initiatives such as Flank Speed and the Navy Afloat Cloud Architecture.
Flank Speed has already transformed the Navy’s enterprise IT environment by creating a more secure and agile cloud-based infrastructure. Berg explained that the extension of these capabilities into classified environments through Flank Speed Mercury and afloat cloud deployments will provide sailors with better access to secure data and modern cybersecurity tools even while operating at sea.
A key focus of the discussion was the Navy’s implementation of zero trust architecture. Berg stressed that cybersecurity can no longer be viewed as an optional technical requirement. Instead, it must become part of the broader warfighting culture throughout the force. Multi-factor authentication, layered defenses, and strict access controls are now essential operational requirements for protecting classified systems, weapon systems, and operational data.
Berg also discussed how the Navy is learning from real-world cyber operations and exercises. She referenced operations conducted within SOUTHCOM as examples of how the military is refining cyber tactics, improving operational integration, and strengthening partnerships across combatant commands. Looking ahead, she identified artificial intelligence, deepfakes, quantum computing, and information warfare as some of the biggest future challenges shaping cyber operations.
Key Takeaways
Bogart described all-domain simulation as the ability to create software-defined environments where air, ground, maritime, cyber, and hardware systems can all be tested simultaneously. Through digital twinning, organizations can replicate operational environments virtually and conduct testing, training, and mission rehearsal without requiring personnel or equipment to physically operate in the same location.
The ability to simulate operational scenarios rapidly is providing enormous advantages for the Department of Defense. Bogart explained that organizations can now test software updates, hardware replacements, communications systems, and mission scenarios far more quickly than traditional methods allowed. These environments also support realistic “train like you fight” exercises that improve readiness while reducing operational costs.
One of the most important applications of this capability is supporting CJADC2 and other highly integrated operational concepts. Bogart noted that many operational failures occur at system interfaces where platforms struggle to communicate effectively. By using digital twins and systems architecture models, organizations can test interoperability and validate operational performance before systems are deployed into the field.
Artificial intelligence is further expanding these capabilities. Bogart discussed how agentic AI, predictive analysis, and large graph databases are improving the ability to identify vulnerabilities, anticipate failures, and model increasingly complex operational scenarios. She also highlighted how simulation environments are becoming valuable tools for war gaming, cyber defense testing, and predictive maintenance.
The growing flexibility of these environments means organizations can now incorporate emerging technologies much faster. Whether simulating drone swarms, cyber attacks, hardware failures, or future operational concepts, all-domain simulation is becoming a foundational capability for military modernization and mission readiness.
Key Takeaways
Perry highlighted the impact of Finland and Sweden joining NATO, describing it as a transformational development for Arctic defense and transatlantic security. For the first time in centuries, Nordic nations are now aligned under a more unified defense structure, creating new opportunities for coordinated operations, intelligence sharing, and collective deterrence.
The Navy, Coast Guard, and allied partners are working together to strengthen maritime security through synchronized exercises and operational planning. Perry described the Arctic Sentry initiative as a multi-year campaign designed to coordinate national and allied exercises across every operational domain, from seabed operations to space-based surveillance. These exercises are helping partners improve domain awareness, identify capability gaps, and strengthen interoperability.
Technology is also playing an increasingly important role in Arctic operations. Perry discussed how unmanned systems, AI-enabled sensors, and autonomous platforms are helping improve maritime domain awareness across vast and difficult operating environments. Lessons learned from Ukraine, particularly in the areas of drone warfare and counter-drone operations, are influencing how allied forces think about future Arctic security operations.
One of the biggest opportunities Perry identified is the ability to connect sensor networks and operational data into a shared operational picture. By integrating information from multiple allies and systems, commanders can gain faster awareness of potential threats, suspicious maritime activity, and adversary operations across the Arctic theater.
Perry emphasized that success in the Arctic depends on maintaining strong partnerships, synchronized operational planning, and continued investment in emerging technologies that improve awareness, coordination, and deterrence.
Key Takeaways
Beerhalter noted that government agencies are becoming increasingly aware that commercial industry already possesses many of the technologies needed to solve defense challenges today. The issue is how quickly the government can identify, acquire, and deploy those technologies. He described how agencies are now engaging industry earlier in the process and relying more heavily on commercial partners to identify operational bottlenecks and recommend modernization strategies.
One major shift Beerhalter highlighted is the growing acceptance of commercial-off-the-shelf technologies. Historically, agencies often customized technologies extensively, creating long timelines and higher costs. Today, many organizations are more willing to adopt solutions that are already proven in the commercial market and adapt them only where necessary. According to Beerhalter, this change is helping agencies reduce acquisition timelines and accelerate operational deployment.
The conversation also focused on evolving acquisition strategies. Beerhalter explained that agencies are increasingly using commercial solutions offerings and mission-focused problem statements instead of rigid requirements documents. Rather than dictating exactly how companies must solve a problem, agencies are becoming more open to hearing innovative approaches from industry. This flexibility is encouraging broader participation from technology providers and helping agencies identify more effective solutions.
Beerhalter also discussed the importance of communication between industry and government. He argued that successful acquisition reform depends on constant collaboration and transparency. Industry must understand operational pain points, while agencies must become more comfortable engaging with commercial providers earlier in the acquisition cycle.
Finally, Beerhalter expressed optimism about ongoing FAR modernization and acquisition reform initiatives. Simplifying compliance requirements, reducing unnecessary regulations, and empowering contracting officers to make faster decisions could significantly improve the speed at which technology reaches operational users and ultimately strengthen readiness across the force.
Key Takeaways
DeWalt described 2026 as a turning point for AI capabilities, particularly with the emergence of advanced large language models capable of reverse engineering software binaries, identifying vulnerabilities, and building exploit chains in seconds. According to DeWalt, this represents a major shift in the cyber threat landscape because highly advanced offensive cyber capabilities are no longer limited to a handful of nation states. AI is flattening the technological playing field and allowing adversaries around the world to access tools that were once available only to the most advanced cyber powers.
The implications for national defense are significant. DeWalt warned that AI-powered cyber attacks can now target legacy systems across maritime, air, space, and critical infrastructure environments at unprecedented speed and scale. He stressed that governments and defense organizations must rapidly modernize defenses, harden code bases, and deploy autonomous defensive systems capable of responding at machine speed.
Despite these concerns, DeWalt also emphasized the enormous opportunities AI presents. He highlighted the growing use of autonomous systems, robotics, and AI-enabled maritime platforms across the defense sector. Companies are now building increasingly sophisticated autonomous vessels and intelligent systems capable of supporting military operations in ways that were unimaginable only a few years ago.
A central theme of the discussion was the need for guardrails and governance. DeWalt argued that while private industry will continue pushing technological innovation forward rapidly, governments have a responsibility to establish security standards and safety frameworks. He compared AI to the evolution of the automobile industry, where safety systems eventually became necessary as technologies advanced.
The discussion concluded with a look toward quantum computing, which DeWalt believes will become the next major disruption in cybersecurity and defense. While quantum computing offers tremendous processing capabilities, it also introduces serious risks related to encryption, communications security, and cyber resilience.
Key Takeaways
Kohl emphasized that logistics is no longer simply a back-office support function. Instead, it is becoming an operational warfighting capability that directly impacts mission success. Fleet logistics centers positioned around the world now play a critical role in ensuring forces can sustain operations even in highly contested environments where supply chains may be disrupted.
A major focus of NAVSUP’s modernization effort is integrating sustainment planning directly into acquisition programs from the very beginning. Kohl explained that acquisition and sustainment can no longer operate independently. As new systems are developed and procured, logistics supportability, data rights, resilience planning, and long-term maintenance requirements must all be built into contracts from day one.
Kohl also described how NAVSUP is moving toward deeper, more data-driven collaboration with industry partners. Instead of relying solely on transactional supply chain management, the Navy is increasingly sharing demand forecasts, operational signals, and readiness data with suppliers to improve responsiveness and reduce friction throughout the supply chain.
Artificial intelligence is beginning to play a larger role in these efforts as well. Kohl explained that AI tools are helping improve data transparency, identify operational trends, and automate repetitive tasks that previously consumed significant manpower. The organization is also working to standardize data definitions and improve data quality to support more accurate decision-making across the logistics enterprise.
Another important area of focus is interoperability with allied partners and foreign military sales customers. Kohl noted that many allied nations rely on shared platforms such as MH-60 helicopters, P-8 aircraft, and Aegis systems. Strengthening supply chain coordination across coalition partners helps improve operational readiness and reinforces broader national security objectives.
Ultimately, Kohl stressed that building resilient logistics systems capable of supporting the warfighter in contested environments is now a strategic imperative for the Navy and the joint force.
Key Takeaways
Eisel noted that many agencies initially approach modernization efforts by simply attempting to place new graphical interfaces on top of aging systems instead of fundamentally addressing the underlying operational problems. Budget limitations and resource constraints often drive those decisions, but they can leave organizations with the same inefficiencies and integration challenges that existed before modernization efforts began.
According to Eisel, the most important first step is helping customers clearly define the actual problems they are trying to solve. Many organizations lack a complete understanding of their operational environments, technology dependencies, and readiness gaps. Leadership turnover and changing mission requirements can further complicate that process.
Vector Solutions works closely with federal customers to identify operational gaps and implement solutions that improve readiness management and training oversight. Eisel highlighted the company’s work within the federal law enforcement community, where organizations often struggle to manage certifications, testing records, and training requirements across multiple disconnected systems.
One of the biggest challenges agencies face is the sheer number of systems involved in managing readiness and workforce training. Eisel explained that many customers rely on ten or more separate systems, forcing personnel to manually consolidate information to assess readiness posture. This fragmentation creates delays, inconsistencies, and reduced situational awareness.
The conversation also focused on the importance of integration and data visualization. Eisel emphasized that agencies need centralized visibility into workforce qualifications, certifications, and operational readiness in order to make informed decisions quickly. Modern training management platforms can help automate these processes and eliminate many of the manual steps that currently slow organizations down.
Looking ahead, Eisel advised agencies to focus not only on current modernization requirements but also on future scalability and interoperability. Organizations that fail to address these foundational issues today may face even greater operational challenges as emerging technologies continue evolving.
Key Takeaways