Tactical Technology

The Tactical Technology Program, managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), focuses on advancing concepts and technologies to enhance next-generation tactical systems. This initiative supports various projects in Naval Warfare, Advanced Land Systems, Aeronautics and Space Technology, and Information Analytics Technology. The program aims to foster innovation and ensure robust transition planning by collaborating with entrepreneurs to integrate DARPA-funded technologies into the U.S. defense framework, thereby providing new capabilities for national defense.

Naval Warfare Technology seeks to develop advanced technologies for a wide range of naval requirements. The project emphasizes improving situational awareness over large maritime environments, enhancing ship self-defense techniques, and developing novel underwater propulsion modalities. It also explores high-speed underwater vessels, improved underwater object detection methods, long-endurance unmanned surface vehicles, and high-bandwidth communications. Additionally, the project examines methods for distributing maritime operations to create a more agile and cost-effective fleet.

Advanced Land Systems Technology focuses on enhancing U.S. military effectiveness in diverse operational environments. This project aims to break the symmetry of land combat by developing affordable technologies that reduce reliance on forward-operating bases and provide small units with hyper-mobility and hyper-lethality. It leverages artificial intelligence to enable integrated manned-unmanned operations and decrease warfighter exposure through autonomous agents. The project also explores expanding maneuverability into vertical dimensions, including subterranean environments.

Aeronautics and Space Technology addresses opportunities that reduce costs associated with aeronautical and space systems while providing revolutionary capabilities for military missions. This includes studies of propulsion, vehicle concepts, fabrication methods, and novel materials for aeronautics applications. The program also considers integrating space and air platforms in tactical battlespaces.

Information Analytics Technology develops tools for analyzing data from intelligence networks, social media, sensors, and weapon systems to counter sophisticated adversaries' information operations. The goal is to enhance military operations' planning and control capabilities while increasing efficiency in core military functions such as national security and warfighter readiness.