Defense Technology Innovation

Defense Technology Innovation (Beyond 5G) is a research and development initiative led by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The program aims to build upon the technology foundation of fifth-generation cellular network systems to create the next generation of wireless cellular network and security technologies for military applications. By collaborating with other U.S. Government science and technology agencies, the program seeks to enable the U.S. to regain leadership in upcoming wireless technology standards, including sixth generation (6G) and beyond, through investments in research and workforce development in critical technologies. The program also focuses on executing a defined engagement plan with other Departments, agencies, industry, and universities to ensure continued U.S. influence in both the international commercial marketplace and Government sectors.

The FY 2024 funding increase for Program PE 0602230D8Z is aimed at supporting ideation, design, prototyping, and integration of novel FutureG & 5G network concepts and components, leading to demonstration of new capabilities that will allow US DOD operations to dominate the future networked battlespace and create an asymmetric advantage over adversaries. This includes transitioning ongoing analytical and lab-based technology developments into demonstrations and deliverables that enable technology maturation through mission level prototyping and experimentation, eventually leading to operational transition. Additionally, the funding will support solicitation and execution of projects providing critical revolutionary FutureG capabilities through the development of Unlimited Software Defined Radio (SDR), Hyperdimensional Software Defined Networks (SDN), and Mobile Internet Protocol technologies. These efforts collectively aim to accomplish evolutionary and revolutionary technology developments required to fully support future U.S. strategic interests in this domain.