Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Outlines Six Key Technology Priorities
Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering and Chief Technology Officer for the Department of War, Emil Michael, officially announced on Monday, November 17th, a list of revised critical technology areas - reducing the number of research-and-development priorities by more than half.
The new list trims the Biden-era list of 14 “critical technology areas” (CTAs) to just six, concentrating resources on essential research and development initiatives and expediting their advancement into targeted “sprints,” aiming for operational technologies within three years.
Michael stated, “Such a broad focus can dilute attention and obscure the most urgent requirements for our warfighters. Fourteen priorities, in effect, equate to having none.” He added that the new six CTAs “represent the highest-impact opportunities for rapid results and decisive battlefield advantages.”
The New Six
The new list, designed to streamline research investment, includes:
Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI): Encompassing AI applications from back-office business functions to frontline warfighting, this priority aligns with the White House AI Action Plan and recognizes the competitive landscape between the US and China. Notably, a recent reorganization brought the Pentagon’s Chief Digital & AI Office under Michael’s authority.
Biomanufacturing (BIO): This area involves utilizing living systems for mass production of essential materials. Biomanufacturing enables the synthesis of critical chemicals in large-scale vats of genetically engineered microorganisms as an alternative to traditional petrochemical methods, potentially addressing supply chain vulnerabilities.
Contested Logistics Technologies (LOG): LOG covers technologies that facilitate reliable resupply and sustained operations in contested environments, particularly relevant to Pacific scenarios involving conflict with China.
Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance (Q-BID): This category focuses on advancing both conventional radio-frequency technologies and emerging quantum technologies to enhance communication and navigation capabilities. Concerns regarding the vulnerability of GPS and radio systems to jamming by technologically advanced adversaries such as Russia or China continue to drive innovation in this domain.
Scaled Hypersonics (SHY): SHY prioritizes the transition of hypersonic missiles from prototypes to mass production, addressing the strategic need for faster and more agile systems in response to increasing investments and testing by competing nations.
Scaled Directed Energy (SCADE): This priority seeks to expand high-energy lasers and microwave-beam weapons from small-scale demonstrations to widespread deployment, supporting enhanced defenses against threats such as drone swarms and missile attacks targeting systems like Patriot and THAAD.
Previous CTAs were evaluated based on three criteria: alignment with Secretary Hegseth’s priorities, suitability for milestone-driven sprints, and the necessity for Under Secretary-level coordination to support cross-Departmental efforts.
The new list consolidates many specific projects under broader portfolios. Former CTAs such as FutureG, Integrated Sensing & Cyber, and Quantum are now integrated into the new Q-BID portfolio. Areas including next-generation wireless technologies, Integrated Network Systems, and Space may also fall under Q-BID; aspects of Advanced Computing and Software and Human Machine Interfaces will align with Applied AI; Microelectronics and Advanced Materials may span multiple categories; some Renewable Energy initiatives may shift to Contested Logistics or Biomanufacturing.
“These CTAs present actionable, real-time solutions to contemporary challenges facing our warfighters,” Michael affirmed. “They are defined by targeted sprints intended to deliver results promptly, not over fifteen years. These priorities ensure that our warfighters remain equipped with decisive advantages.”