2025 was a year of significant change in the defense industry, from the Army's review of contracting to the introduction of executive orders affecting diversity initiatives. The Navy's autonomous drone development program and the controversy surrounding the Small Innovation Research Program fund highlight the challenges facing the industry.
The Mitchell Institute recommends that the Defense Department commission an independent review of its roles and missions to ensure clarity on service and agency responsibilities in supporting space superiority. The report also emphasizes the need for investment in cross-domain capabilities, including laser technologies and anti-satellite weapons, as well as joint exercises and education programs focused on space superiority.
The Pentagon has launched GenAi.mil, a new website offering generative AI tools to all three million personnel. The first AI available on the site is Google's Gemini, capable of handling highly sensitive but unclassified information.