US Military Emphasizes High-Tech Threats Over Regional Concerns

The US military is focusing on technology development driven by higher-tech threats overseas, with Undersecretary for Research and Engineering Emil Michael identifying China as a pacing threat. Despite priorities in the Americas, Michael emphasized the need for adaptation to emerging technologies like drones, hypersonics, directed energy, and artificial intelligence. This shift may lead to changes in acquisition reform and requirements reform, as well as the development of new systems to counter China’s military modernization.