Emil Michael, The Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (USW(R&E), announced a strategic pivot centered on six “Critical Technology Areas” to secure American military dominance.

One standout area is “Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI)” — the department’s recognition that AI isn’t just a future asset, but a present imperative.

“Our adversaries are moving fast, but we will move faster. The warfighter is not asking for results tomorrow; they need them today. These six Critical Technology Areas are not just priorities; they are imperatives. The American warfighter will wield the most advanced technology to maximize lethality. This is how the War Department wins wars,” Michael said.

AAI, along with Biomanufacturing, Contested Logistics Technologies, Quantum & Battlefield Information Dominance, Scaled Directed Energy, and Scaled Hypersonics, aim to translate advanced R&D into operational capability rapidly.

In positioning AI as a linchpin of military technology strategy, the Department stakes its claim to staying ahead in an era defined by speed, data, and algorithmic power.

“Our nation’s military has always been the tip of the spear. Under Secretary Emil Michael’s six Critical Technology Areas will ensure that our warriors never enter a fair fight and have the best systems in their hands for maximum lethality,” Secretary of War Pete Hegseth added.