Artificial Intelligence holds tremendous promise to improve the ability and function of nearly all systems and operations. Trusted AI with trusted autonomous systems are imperative to dominate future conflicts. As AI, machine learning, and autonomous operations continue to mature, the DOD will focus on evidence-based AI-assurance and enabling operational effectiveness.

Directed energy systems will allow our joint forces to counter a wide variety of current and emerging threats with rapid responses and engagement at the speed of light. High-power lasers and high-power microwave technologies both offer new ways to counter diverse sets of threats.

FutureG is a suite of emerging wireless network technologies enabled by DoD and commercial industry cooperation to enable military operations and ensure a free and open internet. As Fifth Generation (5G) wireless technology is adopted and provides building blocks for capability, the DoD will also look to FutureG for leap-ahead technologies to lead in creating future standards. The Department will invest in FutureG technology development to lay the groundwork for continued United States leadership in information technology, which is vital for maintaining our economic and national security.

GEMS capabilities are increasingly important in today’s highly competitive and dynamic strategic environment associated with the return to great power competition. GEMS technologies and capabilities have improved greatly as developments in computing power, graphics, and other enablers have accelerated. GEMS technologies and capabilities provide cost effective and innovative ways to test new ideas and concepts, design and prototype new systems, model military campaigns, conduct geopolitical analysis, and provide training to improve warfighter readiness and performance. The increased use of GEMS is necessary to ensure that the DOD is able to meet future challenges in training, systems development, acquisition, training, deterrence, and warfighting.

Rapid advancements in human-machine interface technologies will have a multitude of benefits for our service members. Highly immersive realistic training environments provide real-time feedback to enhance warfighter performance. Intuitive 5 interactive human-machine interfaces enable rapid mission planning and mission command by providing a common operational picture to geographically distributed operations.

Hypersonics dramatically shorten the timeline to strike a target and increase unpredictability. While strategic competitors are pursuing and rapidly fielding advanced hypersonic missiles, the DOD is developing leap-ahead and cost-effective technologies for our air, land, and sea operational forces.

Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems technology encompasses the capability to communicate, provide real-time dissemination of information across the DOD, and effective command and control in a contested electromagnetic environment. Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems capability must enable engagements by any sensor and shooter, with the ability to integrate disparate systems. An interoperable network that leverages emerging capabilities across the electromagnetic spectrum such as 5G, software defined networking and radios, and modern information exchange techniques will allow the DOD to better integrate many diverse mission systems and provide fully networked command, control, and communication that is capable, resilient, and secure.

To provide advantage for the joint force in highly contested environments, the Department must develop wideband sensors to operate at the intersection of cyber space, electronic warfare, radar, and communications. Sensors must be able to counter advanced threats and can no longer be stove-piped and single function.

From more accurate information to faster decision making, to significantly stronger encryption capabilities, quantum science has the promise to deliver cutting-edge technology. Defense applications include atomic clocks, quantum sensors, quantum computing, and quantum networks. Quantum science promises to enable leap-ahead capabilities. Quantum computing can provide unprecedented computational speeds and help solve the DOD's hardest analytical problems. Quantum sensors promise the ability to provide unprecedented accuracy in position, navigation, and timing.

From more efficient batteries to diversifying energy sources and reduced fuel transportation risks, renewable energy generation and storage will add resilience and flexibility in a contested logistics environment. Renewable energy generation and storage includes solar wind, bio-based and geothermal technologies, advanced energy storage, electronic engines, and power grid integration. Renewable energy generation and storage promises to decrease warfighter vulnerability and deliver new operational capabilities for the DOD.

Space technologies include space flight, space communication and other technologies needed to maintain space operations. With rising threats and increasing dependence on space-based systems, our nation's space strategy must shift away from exquisite satellites to a more robust and proliferated architecture. Novel space technologies are necessary to enable resilient cross-domain operations. We must incorporate technologies that enhance the DOD's adaptive and reconfigurable capabilities in space situational awareness, space control, communication path diversity, on-orbit processing, and autonomy.

The NPS Undersea Warfare curriculum offers students the opportunity to study the fundamental principles that apply to the design, performance, and employment of sensors, unmanned vehicles, and tactics in the undersea environment. The program combines electrical and mechanical engineering, mathematics, oceanography, physics, and operations research into a multidisciplinary program of study.