Navy Sets Sights on AI, Quantum Tech, and Cybersecurity in New Technology Roadmap

Department of the Navy's Technology Priorities Focus on AI and Quantum Advances

The Department of the Navy (DON) recently issued a memorandum outlining its top five technology investment priorities. At the forefront are artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies, reflecting their critical role in enhancing military and civilian mission capabilities. The acting Navy Chief Technology Officer emphasized speeding up delivery of modern technology to the warfighter to keep pace with fast-changing operational demands.

Priority Technology Areas Overview

The DON’s Priority Technology Areas (PTA) framework categorizes technologies into three levels to guide strategic investment. AI and autonomy top the list, seen as vital for decision advantage in information warfare and improving human-machine collaboration. The Navy is targeting AI solutions that enable real-time data analysis and automated decision-making to boost mission success.

• Level 2 AI focus areas include applied machine learning, natural language processing, and trustworthy model governance for safe deployment.
• Autonomous systems are prioritized to support mission execution effectively.
• Infrastructure efforts focus on edge AI deployment and integrating DevSecOps pipelines.

Quantum Technology as a Strategic Priority

Quantum technology ranks second in importance. It is key for secure communication, advanced sensing, and next-generation computing. Quantum encryption enhances network security, while quantum computing offers improvements in data processing and cyber resilience.

• Level 2 quantum priorities include secure communications and encryption, transport, sensing, positioning, navigation, and timing.
• Building enabling infrastructure to support these capabilities is essential.

Cybersecurity and Zero Trust

Cybersecurity remains a critical focus, with zero trust architectures and proactive defense strategies taking priority. The Navy aims to automate threat intelligence and implement security mechanisms that anticipate adversarial actions.

• Key level 2 areas cover identity and access management, zero trust frameworks, cyber operations, and securing operational technology.

Enhanced C5ISR and Naval Space Connectivity

The memo also highlights advancements in command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C5ISR). Naval space connectivity is gaining attention, aligning with broader Department of Defense efforts to improve integrated awareness and space capabilities.

Coordination and Ongoing Updates

The DON aligned its PTA with the Office of Naval Research’s Science & Technology focus areas and the Department of Defense’s critical technology sectors. Collaboration with Program Executive Offices ensures a unified approach and helps reduce confusion among stakeholders.

Looking ahead, the PTA will evolve with technology trends. The Navy plans to use an industry-standard “Investment Horizon” model to adjust priorities by tracking innovation and divestment. The full PTA taxonomy is publicly available on the DON CIO website and will receive regular updates.

For IT professionals interested in AI and related technologies, exploring practical courses can provide valuable skills aligned with these priorities. Resources like Complete AI Training offer targeted learning paths for machine learning, AI deployment, and automation that match the Navy’s technology focus areas.