Pentagon Streamlines Critical Emerging Technology Priorities to Six Key Areas
By Mikayla Easley | November 17, 2025
The U.S. Department of Defense has significantly narrowed its focus on emerging technology development by paring down its list of critical technology areas from 14 to just six. The revision, announced on Monday by Emil Michael, Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Pentagon’s Chief Technology Officer, aims to sharpen the department’s efforts to deliver faster and more impactful results on the battlefield.
A More Focused Approach to Emerging Technologies
“When I stepped into this role, our office had identified 14 critical technology areas. While each of these areas holds value, such a broad list dilutes focus and fails to highlight the most urgent needs of the warfighter. Fourteen priorities, in truth, means no priorities at all,” Michael stated in a video posted on LinkedIn.
The newly condensed list now comprises six categories deemed most crucial for maintaining battlefield superiority and delivering near-term operational advantages. These categories are:
- Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI)
- Biomanufacturing
- Contested Logistics Technologies (LOG)
- Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance (Q-BID)
- Scaled Directed Energy (SCADE)
- Scaled Hypersonics (SHY)
Michael emphasized that these six areas “represent the priorities that will deliver the greatest impact, the fastest results, and the most decisive advantage on the battlefield.” He added, “These priorities will ensure that our warfighters never face a fair fight.”
Bridging Legacy Priorities with Future Needs
Since the Biden administration initially established 14 critical technology domains, the Pentagon has used the list to guide research and development investments supporting modern warfare’s evolving demands. However, Michael hinted earlier this year that the large list could impede rapid fielding of new capabilities, advocating instead for a streamlined, agile approach.
The trimmed list maintains continuity by incorporating many elements from prior priorities. For example, the updated Applied Artificial Intelligence category is broad and subsumes efforts previously distributed across trusted AI, autonomy, advanced computing, and human-machine interface projects. Michael noted the initiative aligns closely with former President Donald Trump’s AI action plan and aims to transform decision-making and operational efficiency in defense contexts.
Similarly, the Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance area will continue to build upon innovations related to integrated network systems, future generation wireless technologies, space tech, integrated sensing, and cyber capabilities. Its objective is to ensure warfighters can maneuver and communicate effectively even in contested, degraded, or denied environments.
Addressing Supply Chain and Logistics Challenges
The inclusion of biomanufacturing reflects a strategic push to harness living systems to boost resilience and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities that could compromise military readiness. Meanwhile, contained within Contested Logistics Technologies is the effort to strengthen the armed forces’ ability to operate and resupply effectively in austere and contested environments.
Advancing Next-Generation Weapon Systems
Scaled Directed Energy and Scaled Hypersonics represent the Pentagon’s commitment to accelerating research and development of transformative weapon systems. These technologies promise novel capabilities critical to maintaining superiority in future combat scenarios.
“These critical technology areas are actionable, tangible solutions to the challenges that our warfighters face today,” Michael remarked. “They are driven by focused sprints designed to deliver results in the now—not in 15 years.”
Looking Ahead
By prioritizing these six technology domains, the Department of Defense aims to streamline funding, research, and acquisition efforts on capabilities crucial for modern and future conflict. Acting with urgency, the Pentagon is seeking to shorten the timeline from concept to battlefield deployment and ensure U.S. forces maintain an enduring technological edge.
About the Author: Mikayla Easley covers Pentagon acquisition and emerging technologies for DefenseScoop. She holds a B.A. in Russian language and literature from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in journalism from the University of Missouri. Follow her on Twitter @MikaylaEasley.
