ODNA Technology and Resource Analysis

ODNA Technology & Resource Analysis is a program element managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, specifically under the Office of Net Assessment (ONA). The primary goal of this line item is to provide senior Department of Defense (DoD) leadership including the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense with independent, long-term analytical assessments of fundamental security issues. These assessments are designed to identify and analyze emerging threats, technologies, and geopolitical trends that could significantly impact U.S. national security interests. The program supports the interim National Defense Strategy (NDS) and aligns with departmental priorities such as accelerating warfighting capabilities, strengthening alliances, and fostering innovation and accountability.

Technology and Resource Analysis is the sole project within this program element. Its specific objective is to develop and coordinate net assessments that examine current trends and future prospects of U.S. and foreign military capabilities and potential. The project focuses on both near-term and long-term challenges and opportunities for U.S. military forces, particularly in countering technological advantages of potential adversaries. By conducting rigorous research and analysis, the program aims to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation within the DoD.

For fiscal years 2025 and 2026, the program plans to continue and expand research efforts to identify new technological innovations and analyze the evolving security environment. This includes ongoing analysis of future concepts of operation and possible courses of action in response to emerging capabilities. The program also invests in specialized assessments, such as those examining potential revolutionary advances in biosciences that could affect future warfare. Additionally, the program is initiating analysis in information-related areas to evaluate advanced capability demonstrations and develop potential net assessments in these domains.

The justification for this line item centers on the need for independent, forward-looking analysis to anticipate and respond to shifts in military technology and strategy. The Office of Net Assessment's work is intended to help the U.S. military maintain its competitive edge by identifying both risks and opportunities in the global security landscape. This includes assessing adversary capabilities, evaluating U.S. strengths and weaknesses, and recommending strategies to counter technological advancements by potential rivals.

Funding for the program remains consistent with previous budget requests, with no significant adjustments or congressional reductions noted for FY 2025 and FY 2026. The classified realignment resulted in a minor reduction to the program, but overall funding levels support the continuation of planned research and analysis activities. There are no procurement activities or acquisition strategies associated with this line item, as its focus is exclusively on research, development, and analytical support.

The accomplishments and planned programs for FY 2025 and FY 2026 emphasize the continuation of existing research streams and the initiation of new analytical efforts in emerging technology areas. By maintaining a steady investment in technology and resource analysis, the Office of Net Assessment seeks to ensure that DoD leadership is equipped with the insights necessary to make informed decisions about future military capabilities and strategic priorities. The program's outputs are intended to shape long-term defense planning and policy formulation.