Defense Technology Innovation

Defense Technology Innovation (Beyond 5G) is a research and development initiative managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, focused on advancing wireless cellular network and security technologies beyond current fifth-generation (5G) standards for military applications. The program's primary objective is to provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with integrated, resilient, and secure mobile and tactical communications solutions that enable full execution of Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) concepts. By leveraging dual-use technologies and collaborating with industry and other government science and technology agencies, the program aims to create asymmetric advantages for U.S. forces in contested environments.

The program is structured around four major lines of effort: Resilient and Open Commercial Solutions (ROCS), Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC), Expeditionary and Tactical Use (ETU), and Ubiquitous, Secure and Instant Access (USIA). Each line of effort addresses specific capability gaps identified by DoD mission-level requirements. ROCS focuses on developing open-source software and hardware, such as Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) interfaces, to replace proprietary, single-function systems with fully programmable network architectures. This approach is intended to reduce costs, increase interoperability, and accelerate innovation by adopting open standards and open-source alternatives.

Open Centralized Unit Distributed Unit (OCUDU) Initiative is a cornerstone of the ROCS portfolio and will be a primary focus in FY 2026. OCUDU encompasses software, hardware, and management domains to create a secure, open-source baseline for DoD wireless networks. The initiative aims to deliver an interoperable reference architecture for 5G/6G networks, integrating DoD-unique capabilities for spectrum management and artificial intelligence-driven security, mobility, and access management. The FY 2026 budget supports feature development, chip and software design, and preliminary demonstrations for CJADC2 scenarios. The goal is to transition these capabilities to operational use across the force.

Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) is another key research area, focusing on the convergence of sensing and communication technologies. ISAC projects are developed in collaboration with industry and academia, targeting capabilities such as ambient signal detection for object and event monitoring, and applying these capabilities at network and enterprise levels. Planned demonstrations include lab-based assessments of ISAC utility within DoD, as well as advanced spectrum sharing and management techniques. Notable efforts include Mobile Distributed Multiple Input Multiple Output (dMIMO) for low probability of detect/intercept and anti-jam capabilities, and novel interference cancellation technologies.

Expeditionary and Tactical Use and Ubiquitous, Secure and Instant Access (USIA) portfolios focus on delivering high-availability wireless systems with security assurance in all operational settings. These efforts support the development of mobile endpoints, telecom base stations, tactical radios, and network infrastructure that can be rapidly deployed and autonomously adapt to changing battlefield conditions. The goal is to reduce the technical and tactical burden on DoD network operators while ensuring situational awareness and mission resilience.

The program also supports the Golden Dome for America initiative by enabling the use of existing wireless infrastructure as a sensor network for detecting low-flying threats to the homeland. This research is critical for integrating detection capabilities into a comprehensive national defense architecture. The FY 2026 budget increase reflects a strategic realignment and scale-up of research activities to meet both short-term and long-term warfighter needs, maintain U.S. competitiveness in wireless technologies, and address emerging requirements for 6G and beyond.