Introduction to:
Critical Technology
Key things to know before exploring the six Critical Technology Areas
Critical Technology Index
CDN connects you with the technologies, strategies, programs, and leaders shaping the future of U.S. military innovation.
The DoW is focused on six critical technologies to shape future defense capabilities.
The Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)) is spearheading a transformative era of technological innovation to ensure the United States military remains the most lethal and dominant fighting force in the world. The War Department is committed to delivering cutting-edge technologies that meet the urgent demands of today’s warfighters. In an era of rapid advancements and adversarial competition, the Department has identified six Critical Technology Areas (CTAs) to focus its efforts. These CTAs represent the forefront of innovation, designed to deliver immediate, tangible results at the speed of relevance.
Learn more about DoD research strategies, leading programs, and who in DoD and Industry are leading the way in these critical technologies.
Applied artificial intelligence is the cornerstone of the Department of War's strategy to achieve decision superiority. Embedding it in command-and-control systems enables intelligent workflows.
Applied AI
Biomanufacturing harnesses living systems to produce critical materials at scale, improving operational resilience and reducing logistical vulnerabilities.
Biomanufacturing
Contested logistics reimagines military sustainment in disrupted or denied environments, so warfighters still have access to critical resources.
Contested Logistics
Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance keeps operations effective in contested electromagnetic environments by modernizing communication and sensing.
Info Dominance
Scaled Directed Energy (SCADE) scales high-energy lasers and microwave technologies into low-cost, high-impact defenses against emerging threats.
Scaled Directed Energy
Scaled hypersonics delivers Mach 5+ weapons at scale, with speed, precision, and survivability.