The revolutionary new weapon in the Pentagon's pocket - and why it matters now more than ever

"The focus on these technologies and similar projects will result in superior warfighting capability. However, there is another revolutionary weapon under development that deserves equal attention. This new weapon is not just discussed in hushed whispers in one of the many SCIFs at the Pentagon. It has been discussed in the Trump administration, on Capitol Hill and even in the media. This new non-secretive project was discussed openly in the "Arsenal of Freedom" public speech given by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on November 7."

"While this might sound pale in comparison to autonomous drones and AI-enabled missiles, the reality of unleashing American companies to do their cutting-edge development will yield a significant battlefield advantage. The administrative burdens the secretary is seeking to transform are not the fault of people inside the federal government or within the Defense Industrial Base working to meet the warfighter's requirements, but the processes embedded in the Pentagon's acquisition system."

Federal government programs prioritize cutting-edge warfighting technologies, including wave-powered autonomous underwater drones and AI systems that unify military branches for rapid response to global threats. A comprehensive acquisition transformation aims to remove administrative burdens that limit U.S. companies’ agility and responsiveness, enabling faster delivery of advanced capabilities. The acquisition system’s embedded processes, rather than individual personnel, create delays and cost overruns. Previous reform efforts produced limited progress. Without further transformation, warfighters often do not receive required products or services at anticipated cost, schedule, and performance, reducing the United States' competitive advantage in high-end conflict.

Read at Nextgov.com