The next defense technology revolution

Pillars of the Obama administration’s science policy, such as advanced manufacturing and robotics, promise significant rewards for the federal government. For the Department of Defense, 3-D printing, lasers, and other innovative technologies are set to disrupt budgets and transform battlefield operations. The U.S. military is already on target to become one of the largest adopters of cutting-edge additive manufacturing, improving acquisition processes and lowering costs. It is also essential that DoD find ways to innovate adaptively and in an ongoing manner in reaction to the changing threat environment, which requires flexible hardware and software as much as possible. But how far can this would-be revolution really go?

On July 31, the Center for 21st Century Security and Intelligence at Brookings hosted a discussion on the next defense technology revolution and how it will shape the future of the force, with particular focus on 3-D printing. Panelists included Brennan Hogan of LMI, Jim Joyce from Deloitte Consulting LLP, James Kenyon of Pratt & Whitney, and Dave Logan of BAE Systems Inc. Michael O’Hanlon, co-director of the Center for 21st Century Security and Intelligence, moderated.

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