Rep. Don Bacon on FY26 NDAA: Enhancing US Military Lethality Through Innovation

FY26 NDAA CITI Subcommittee Print

• 💡 The subcommittee's package for the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) focuses on advancing the department's cyber and innovation ecosystems and conducting critical oversight.
• 🎯 The mission is to ensure warfighters are equipped with the most innovative technologies that improve lethality and increase US capabilities.

Technological Advancement and Innovation

• 🚀 The print prioritizes the continuous improvement of testing and evaluation through digital processes and supports the research and development of novel technologies.
• 🛠️ It brings flexibility for R&D across the department, empowering the under secretary of defense for research and engineering to bridge the "valley of death" for new technologies.
• 💻 Directs the use of digital engineering and modern software practices for more agile and accurate testing and evaluation.

AI and Cybersecurity Integration

• 🧠 Provisions leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to bolster cybersecurity skills and explore new lines of effort for generative AI adoption.
• 🤖 It continues to lay out the framework for the department's adoption of AI, aiming to improve processes and cyber practices.

Emerging Technologies and Future Capabilities

• ⚡ Supports continued research and development of hypersonic programs and the modernization of hypersonic testing and evaluation.
• 🌱 Includes recommendations from the National Security Commission on emerging biotechnology, providing tools to optimize the military use of biotechnology.

Maintaining Global Military Superiority

• ✅ The overall package ensures the US remains the most lethal warfighting force in the world by providing the department with the flexibility and tools needed to deliver modern technology to warfighters.
• 🤝 Acknowledges the bipartisanship and dedication in producing the subcommittee print, highlighting collaboration between members.