Emerging Technologies in the Defense Tech Industry Fueled by OTAs

In an era where technological advancements are rapidly reshaping military operations, acquisition processes within the government are a key element to success. The defense industry is experiencing a surge of emerging technologies that promise to enhance capabilities and improve operational efficiency. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to innovative materials and novel detection methods, these advancements are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.

Recent technical presentations at the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Emerging Technologies conference in Washington, D.C. highlighted a variety of groundbreaking developments, showcasing the imperative for the government to adapt quickly and utilize the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) in order to harness these innovations for national security.

Emerging technologies in the defense industry are shaping the future of military capabilities, with several innovative developments recently highlighted. Here are eight upcoming technical capabilities to pay attention to:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are advancing scientific discovery and analysis within the defense sector. AI is perfect for military applications because it can solve computational complexity. It can easily run an algorithm during times of tremendous pressure and stress. Also, it can decide at a much faster speed.
2. Sustainable Permanent Magnets: Niron Magnetics has introduced Iron Nitride as the first new permanent magnet in four decades. This innovative material is completely free of rare earth elements, making it both sustainable and recyclable, with significant implications for industries relying on magnets, projected to grow from a $45 billion market today to $180 billion by 2035.
3. Solar-Powered UAVs: Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have become an integral part of modern military operations. They are also known as drones. Skydweller Aero invented a solar-powered aircraft, capable of providing persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) without the need for batteries, combining efficiency with significant operational range.
4. Quantum Sensing: Sandbox AQ is discussing the potential of quantum sensing technologies to enhance mission perception and operational advantage. Quantum communication plays a key role in the security of space-based communication systems, making it a necessary technology for maintaining space safety. Quantum technology is one of many critical tech areas supported by the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) OTA.
5. Hypersonic Detection: Industry innovators such as Orion Space Solutions are exploring methods for detecting hypersonic vehicles using the ionosphere as a sensor, highlighting the use of Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances (TIDs) to track these fast-moving targets.
6. Wireless Power Beaming: With recent advancements in wireless power beaming, the U.S. has opportunities for new competitive advantages in joint force operations. PowerLight Technologies showcased Space Power Beaming technology that uses high-intensity light generated by a laser “transmitter” to transfer power wirelessly, at great distance.
7. Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT): NAVSYS Corporation is discussing leveraging commercial SATCOM services for PNT solutions, providing alternatives to GPS in an era where GPS denial is increasingly common. The Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Systems (S²MARTS) OTA has an active PNT project focused on identifying solutions for weapons system PNT accuracy in hypersonics. Read more about the Hypersonics PNT-Weapon Systems Improvement (HPNT-WSI) project here.
8. Advanced Electronics and Photonics: Industry is working towards innovations in electronic-photonic AI accelerators and multi-die system integration, respectively, pointing towards more efficient and robust electronic systems. The Arizona State University-led Southwest Advanced Prototyping (SWAP) Hub under Microelectronics Commons is conducting research on such innovations.

The landscape of emerging technologies in the defense sector, from sustainable materials and advanced sensing capabilities to innovative power solutions, highlights the urgent need for rapid acquisition processes, such as Other Transaction Authorities, to ensure that the government can swiftly integrate these innovations and maintain a strategic advantage in an increasingly complex global environment. OTA vehicles such as S²MARTS and SpEC are flexible and efficient, capable of streamlining these emerging technologies into DoD utilization faster than ever before.

About S²MARTS

The Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS), managed by NSTXL, is the premier rapid OT contracting vehicle for the Department of Defense (DoD) in trusted microelectronics, strategic & spectrum mission, and other critical mission areas. The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division created S²MARTS to grow and engage an elite network of innovators, shorten the path to defense prototype development, and advance national security efforts.

About SpEC

The Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) was created in 2017 to bridge the cultural gap between military buyers and commercial space startups and small businesses through Other Transaction Authorities (OTA). The OTA innovative contracting process allows SpEC to solicit bids from a mix of member companies including companies that have not previously done work with the Department of Defense. SSC recently awarded management of the SpEC OTA to NSTXL to expedite the contracting between government and industry. NSTXL is focused on building a network of innovators and creators across the most sought-after emerging technology fields.