U.S. military and Coast Guard expand AI and drone capabilities

The U.S. military and Coast Guard are launching significant modernization initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, drones, and research infrastructure. Following recommendations from the White House Office of Science and Technology report, ‘Science: A New Golden Age’, the Department of War is implementing advancements to accelerate the transition of technologies from laboratories to operational use.

Key investments include a $40 million commitment to AI Forge and $200 million dedicated to Programmable Cloud Labs through fiscal year 2028. The Department is also partnering with the National Science Foundation to strengthen a shared research ecosystem involving government, academic, and industry partners. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard has ordered four MQ-9B drone ground control stations from General Atomics for $247.8 million to enhance the protection of borders, waterways, and critical infrastructure.

To support these efforts, the Department of War is establishing a new framework to measure the performance and effectiveness of its in-house laboratories, aiming to balance rapid innovation with responsible program protection and the safeguarding of federally funded research.