The United States Air Force has released new data and artificial intelligence strategies to accelerate its transition into an AI-first force.
The roadmap outlines how the department will operationalize data and AI as “decisive force multipliers” to strengthen air and space dominance.
Aligned with the 2026 National Defense Strategy and the broader AI Strategy of the Department of War, the framework seeks to enhance both enterprise operations and combat effectiveness.
“Our focus is not on developing AI for its own sake, but on rapidly delivering tangible, combat-ready capabilities that solve real-world operational problems. By becoming an AI-first force, we will empower our warfighters to out-think, out-maneuver, and out-pace any adversary,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink in a statement.
The strategy emphasizes treating data as a strategic asset and deploying decentralized architectures to deliver mission-ready intelligence at speed.
“In today’s complex global security environment, data and artificial intelligence are no longer support functions — they are the foundation of our strategic overmatch,” said Susan Davenport, DAF’s Chief Data and AI Officer.