Winning future wars will depend on five critical technologies, says U.S. Congressman Adam Smith, a member of the Armed Services Committee.
These technologies include missile systems, missile defense, drones, counter-drone measures, and secure communication networks. Smith emphasized that the U.S. must innovate in these areas to stay ahead. Business Insider reports that breakthroughs in these fields will determine military dominance.
Advanced Weapons Decide the Outcome
Smith stressed that having superior weapons in these five areas is crucial. The Ukraine war proves their importance for any modern army. He explained that countermeasure systems must constantly evolve. Electronic warfare plays a huge role in jamming drones, pushing both Russian and Ukrainian forces to adapt.
Drones and counter-drone systems are just part of the equation. U.S. military leaders are also focusing on missile technology and defense. Meanwhile, global rivals like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea continue to invest heavily in these capabilities.
The U.S. Faces a Shrinking Missile Stockpile
In recent years, the U.S. has used many interceptor missiles to protect Israel from Iranian missile and drone attacks. Some were also used against Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This depletion raises concerns about future conflicts.
If war breaks out with China in the Indo-Pacific, missile defense will be critical. Protecting bases, naval fleets, and infrastructure will require a strong air defense system. The U.S. is also advancing its offensive missile technology. This includes land-based Tomahawk cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons.
Testing Autonomous Warfare
The military is actively testing drones and unmanned systems in different combat scenarios. As conflicts evolve, adapting these technologies will be key to maintaining an advantage.
$50 Billion Invested in Military Innovations
Smith noted that while the Department of Defense has a massive budget, not enough funds go toward these critical technologies. Reports suggest $50 billion is allocated to new priorities, including missile defense and drones. However, slow procurement and bureaucratic delays remain a challenge.
AI’s Growing Role in Warfare
At a National Defense Intelligence Agency (NDIA) symposium in February, experts recommended using the U.S. special forces’ agile procurement process as a model. This approach could help speed up technology adoption, especially for autonomous systems and drones.
Speakers also highlighted AI’s rising influence in military operations. As warfare becomes more digitized, AI and autonomous systems will bring new challenges and opportunities.
We hope that we don’t see future wars soon. People should live in peace with no conflicts!
About The Author
