Defense Innovation Acceleration (DIA)

The Defense Innovation Acceleration (DIA) program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, aims to expedite the development of innovative capability prototypes that address cross-Service and cross-domain military needs. The program focuses on delivering prototype systems within a 24-to-36-month timeframe. These systems are identified through a collaborative ideation process involving Defense-wide participation and detailed mission analysis. The prototypes are intended to fill operational and strategic capability gaps identified through Joint Warfighting Concept-aligned mission analysis. DIA supports multi-component experimentation and informs programs of record by validating requirements through operationally relevant demonstrations.

The Concepts and Capabilities (C&C) project under DIA is dedicated to executing advanced operational prototypes with joint Services and Combatant Commands. C&C emphasizes delivering major system components or single fieldable systems for joint warfighting applications, typically within 24 to 36 months. This project drives prototyping investments to address pressing operational capability gaps for joint warfighters. It involves collaboration with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering, leveraging technical resources from Service research labs, academia, and industry expertise. The execution strategy is designed to accelerate the delivery of operational prototypes to the joint warfighter.

Innovation and Modernization (I&M), another component of DIA, focuses on addressing current priority challenges through innovation discovery and leap-ahead prototyping. I&M acts as an innovation accelerator by supporting discovery efforts and developing prototypes to identify solutions for joint capability gaps. The program supports DoD modernization through multi-year projects with targeted technology thrusts executed within the year of execution. I&M leverages innovation from various sources, including Service laboratories, small businesses, non-traditional performers, and academia, to rapidly transition innovation that might not be realized through traditional pathways.

Both C&C and I&M projects aim to enhance the DoD's capabilities by focusing on rapid prototyping and transition strategies that involve partnerships with Services, Combatant Commands, and other defense agencies. These efforts ensure that innovative technologies are effectively integrated into military operations to maintain technological superiority and address emerging threats efficiently.