Two Pentagon programs show acquisition promise
Defense One reports on two recent Pentagon acquisition success stories. The Army developed the Maven Smart System for AI-driven battlefield intelligence, using flexible risk management, engaged leadership, and collaborative development environments. The system, based on Palantir’s platform, enables quick decision-making on military targets using advanced computer vision algorithms and comprehensive data integration.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies examines the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which pairs manned fighter jets with AI-piloted drones. The report commends the Air Force for its novel approach to separating hardware and software development, allowing greater industry participation and innovation. This structure helps maintain continuous competition and avoid the pitfalls of traditional acquisition processes that often favor established contractors.
Both reports suggest that these programs could serve as models for future defense acquisitions, balancing innovation with cost-efficiency and reducing delays.