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Description

This commentary analyzes the Department of Defense FY 2026 Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDTE) budget and its strategic emphasis on convergent disruptive technologies. The author argues that expanded investment in artificial intelligence, quantum systems, hypersonics, and space capabilities reflects a doctrinal shift toward integrated, multi-domain deterrence and AI-enabled command and control. These technologies are described not merely as tools, but as operational paradigms reshaping force posture, battlefield tempo, and cross-domain warfare. The article also addresses ethical oversight, human–machine teaming, quantum resilience, hypersonic navigation, and the biological and cognitive implications of technological convergence. It concludes that sustained advantage will require institutional agility, doctrinal revision, and professional military education reforms to align technological investment with strategic responsibility.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Defense Policy, Emerging Science and Technologies, Future Strategic Concepts

Region(s)

United States

Publication Date

7-8-2025

Keywords

DoD FY 2026 budget, RDTE funding, defense innovation, disruptive technologies, artificial intelligence in defense, quantum military applications, hypersonic weapons, space force modernization, multi-domain operations, command and control, human-machine teaming, military modernization, defense strategy, cognitive warfare, biological warfare technology

Strategic Innovation in the DoD FY 2026 RDTE Budget: Leveraging Disruptive Technologies for Deterrence, Defense, and Command and Control

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