United States releases National Security Science and Technology Strategy

The White House has released the National Security Science and Technology Strategy (NSSTS), a document mandated by the CHIPS and Science Act to outline United States priorities in the global technological race. The strategy identifies 15 critical technology areas intended to maintain national security and defense leadership, specifically focusing on battlefield dominance in undersea, space, and AI/autonomy domains.

Under the umbrella of artificial intelligence and autonomy, the strategy lists 12 subfields, including foundation models, multi-agent systems, robotics, and autonomous command and control. Notably, the document does not mention open-weight AI or open-source software development. The strategy emphasizes the need for speed in innovation and the deployment of lower-cost, mass-producible platforms to enhance deterrence, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Experts note that the rapid evolution of fields like quantum computing and AI may challenge the traditional definition of a long-term strategy, suggesting the document functions more as a tactical roadmap for technological competition with China.