AFWERX

The AFWERX program, as outlined in Program Element 0604009F, is an Air Force initiative focused on accelerating the transition of innovative and affordable capabilities by connecting technology developers with Airmen and Guardian talent. The program is structured to leverage three main pillars: Spark (engaging Airmen and Guardians), Ventures (expanding the dual-use technology base), and Prime (transitioning technology to operational use). The overarching goal is to reduce risk in emerging technology markets, foster government-industry partnerships, and ensure the U.S. maintains a competitive technological advantage. Funding supports research and development activities, innovation hubs, information technology infrastructure, public affairs, marketing, and the execution of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

AFWERX Operations and Support (Project 640856) is dedicated to the core operational activities necessary to sustain the AFWERX mission. Its objectives include supporting the development and sustainment of the acquisition workforce, maintaining innovation hubs, and providing IT and infrastructure support. A key focus is the Spark initiative, which aims to inspire and enable Airmen and Guardians to innovate by providing virtual collaboration tools, immersive training, and networking opportunities. By connecting operational personnel with acquisition processes, Spark helps accelerate the transition of promising ideas into operational capabilities. The project also covers civilian pay expenses for staff managing technology transfer and innovation activities.

AFWERX Prime (Project 640858) is the primary vehicle for transitioning dual-use technologies from commercial markets to Department of the Air Force (DAF) capabilities. The program's goals are to identify, develop, test, and mature emerging commercial technologies with military potential, using rapid and novel acquisition methodologies. AFWERX Prime targets several technology areas, including hybrid-electric Vertical and Short Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, scalable aircraft autonomy, autonomous logistics systems, expeditionary combat support systems, advanced manufacturing, small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) and counter-sUAS, and digital manufacturing. The program partners with industry, investors, academia, and interagency organizations to accelerate the development and transition of these technologies.

Within AFWERX Prime, several specific initiatives have been funded through congressional adds. These include Agility Prime, which focuses on accelerating the certification and operational use of electric VTOL aircraft for both commercial and military applications. Autonomy Prime supports the evaluation and risk reduction of scalable autonomy technologies, including the establishment of an Autonomy Proving Ground for collaborative testing with industry. Additional congressional adds in FY 2025 support the electrification of fixed-wing aircraft, development of maritime autonomous forward area refueling points, mass production of UAS, and the establishment of a rapid operational innovation detachment. Each of these efforts is designed to address specific capability gaps and leverage commercial advancements for defense needs.

The Acquisition Strategy for AFWERX involves competitive contract vehicles and collaborative test plans, with an emphasis on early engagement with commercial markets and stakeholders. The program aims to accelerate learning, enable early adoption, and prepare for procurement of hardware, software, and services. Operational evaluations, software integration sprints, and manufacturing challenge workshops are conducted to scope problems and identify solutions in high-priority areas. The program also supports government test and evaluation activities, airworthiness certification, and modeling and analytics support to ensure that technologies meet DAF requirements and operational imperatives.

A notable aspect of the AFWERX program is its alignment with broader Department of Defense efficiency and optimization initiatives. In FY 2026, the program underwent a strategic realignment to optimize core research and operational areas, resulting in a reduction for civilian personnel in compliance with Executive Order 14210. This reflects a continued emphasis on improving resource efficiency while maintaining the program's focus on accelerating technology transition and capability development.