International Innovation Initiatives

The International Innovation Initiatives program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, aims to enhance defense capabilities through international collaboration. A key component is the AUKUS initiative, which focuses on strengthening trilateral security partnerships among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This initiative seeks to develop advanced military capabilities that promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. It emphasizes co-development of operationally relevant technologies and integration of multinational capabilities to act as a force multiplier. The program involves a merit-based selection process for proposals from Department of Defense components, industry, and academia.

Another significant aspect is the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). This program leverages dual-use technological advances within Allied innovation centers to meet NATO's operational requirements. DIANA focuses on accelerating the development, testing, and fielding of security technology solutions that can provide an advantage over evolving threats. It supports U.S. labs and test centers in integrating these technologies into the Defense acquisition ecosystem and aims to introduce U.S. industries to European markets.

The International Science & Technology (S&T) Engagement Initiatives encourage Department of Defense components to expand their S&T cooperation with both existing and new international partners. This initiative supports additional international S&T projects and facilitates participation in activities such as workshops and delegation visits led by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The program prioritizes transitioning promising technologies into current or future programs of record through a merit-based proposal selection process.

These initiatives align with critical technology areas and operational requirements outlined in the National Defense Strategy. By fostering international collaboration in defense technology development, they aim to deter strategic attacks against the United States and its allies while building enduring advantages for future joint forces.