• The US Department of War invests over $3 billion in small businesses annually.
• The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programmes provide non-dilutive funding.
• These programmes support the development and commercialisation of technologies across different sectors.

This investment may indicate the Department of War's growing reliance on small businesses for defence innovation, which could lead to increased competition and faster development of new technologies. The focus on supporting small businesses suggests a shift in the Department's approach to procurement and innovation, which may have significant implications for the defence industry.