Defense Technology Innovation

The Defense Technology Innovation (Beyond 5G) program, under the Office of the Secretary of Defense, focuses on advancing wireless cellular network and security technologies beyond current fifth-generation systems. Its primary goal is to develop next-generation capabilities that provide the U.S. Department of Defense with an asymmetric advantage in mobile and tactical communications. By leveraging 5G/FutureG technologies, the initiative supports Joint All-Domain Command and Control concepts, enabling integrated network mission solutions that enhance situational awareness and adaptability on the battlefield.

A key objective is to address technology gaps through innovations such as automated spectrum management solutions, crucial for coexistence between military radars and civilian spectrum use. The program also focuses on developing military unmanned aerial system payloads for high-performance tactical networks and ensuring secure interoperability between DoD and commercial networks. These efforts aim to provide flexibility and new capabilities for warfighters while driving advancements in open-source software, hardware, and standards to create a fully programmable network architecture.

In FY 2024, the program plans to continue investing in applied research aligned with DoD's 5G strategy doctrine. This includes dynamic spectrum management, mobile distributed multi-input multi-output architectures, and exploiting emerging 5G features like open radio access networks. The research aims to improve efficiency, reliability, and resilience of DoD operations within frequency bands licensed for commercial telecom applications. Additionally, strategic technology development will focus on areas such as Unlimited Software Defined Radio, Hyper-Dimensional Software Defined Networks, and advanced Mobile Internet Protocols to enhance operational security and resiliency.

Looking ahead to FY 2025, the program will concentrate on completing ongoing research projects with an emphasis on technology transfer and transition. New initiatives will address challenges such as resilient logistics in contested environments and securing 5G/FutureG networks for decision advantage. The Beyond 5G portfolio will evolve through multi-site experimentation efforts aimed at fostering FutureG wireless communications technology development and influencing international standards. Despite a decrease in funding from FY 2024 to FY 2025, the program remains committed to maintaining U.S. leadership in global information infrastructure while enhancing DoD mission effectiveness and readiness.