War Department Narrows Technology Development Focus to Six Critical Areas
November 19, 2025
By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News
In a strategic move to maintain technological superiority on the battlefield, the U.S. Department of War has announced a focused emphasis on six key technology areas. This targeted approach aims to ensure that American warfighters are equipped rapidly with cutting-edge systems necessary to decisively win future conflicts.
Six Technology Priorities
Undersecretary of War for Research and Engineering Emil Michael outlined the department’s accelerated innovation trajectory, emphasizing that “our adversaries are moving fast, but we will move faster.” Michael stated that the warfighter’s needs are immediate, underscoring that the identified technology areas represent not just priorities but imperatives to sustain military dominance.
The six critical focus areas are:
-
Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI): Following President Donald J. Trump’s Winning the Race: America’s AI Action Plan issued on July 23, the department is charged with aggressively adopting AI technologies. Michael noted that rapid AI integration will fundamentally transform operations across all levels—from enterprise management to intelligence analysis and warfighting capabilities—while ensuring reliability and security.
-
Biomanufacturing: Leveraging genetically engineered microorganisms, such as specialized bacteria, to produce vital materials at scale. Michael explained how this innovation harnesses living systems to rapidly develop bio-based alternatives for critical chemicals, minerals, and energetics essential to warfighting systems. This initiative promises to accelerate the deployment of biological manufacturing technologies for critical military missions.
-
Contested Logistics Technology: Although fewer specifics were shared, this area focuses on enhancing logistics and supply chain resilience in contested environments, ensuring dependable support to frontline forces.
-
Quantum Battlefield Information Dominance: Pursuing advances in quantum computing and communication to gain unparalleled information processing and secure data transmission capabilities critical to battlefield superiority.
-
Scaled Directed Energy: The department aims to develop and field scalable high-energy laser and high-power microwave systems. These technologies offer low-cost-per-shot, rapid-response defense capabilities against threats such as unmanned aircraft, rockets, artillery, and mortars. One example is the Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense system, a 50kW-class laser designed to protect brigade combat teams effectively.
-
Scaled Hypersonics: Efforts here are focused on mass production, cost reduction, and widespread deployment of hypersonic weapons, which can travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, providing strategic advantages in strike capabilities.
Leadership Perspectives
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reinforced the importance of this streamlined technology portfolio, reiterating that these efforts will secure a decisive battlefield advantage. "Our nation’s military has always been the tip of the spear," Hegseth said. “Undersecretary Emil Michael’s six critical technology areas will ensure that our warriors never enter a fair fight and have the best systems in their hands for maximum lethality. The War Department is committed to remaining the most deadly fighting force on planet Earth.”
The Department of War’s renewed focus strategically aligns with national directives to maintain America’s edge in emerging and disruptive military technologies. By concentrating resources on these select areas, the department intends to expedite the development cycle and field transformational capabilities that guarantee operational success against evolving global threats.
About the Department of War
The U.S. Department of War is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping military forces necessary to deter adversaries and protect the security of the nation. Continuous innovation and investment in advanced technologies are essential components of its mission to ensure the American military remains the most lethal and capable force worldwide.
For further information and updates on the War Department’s technology initiatives, visit the official website at war.gov.
