Welcome to the 2025 Defense One Tech Summit!

As Acting CIO of the Department of Defense, Kate Arrington leads one of the world’s most complex IT enterprises at a time when speed, security, and strategic clarity are critical. In an era of digital-first warfare, legacy systems and slow acquisition can’t keep up. From AI-enabled command and control to zero-trust and resilient cloud, DoD must modernize its digital backbone to stay ahead. In this keynote, Arrington will outline her vision for accelerating digital transformation, breaking down barriers to innovation, streamlining IT governance, and building a future-ready workforce. She’ll share how the CIO office is turning vision into operational advantage at mission speed.

AI and autonomous systems are revolutionizing the battlefield, accelerating the pace of warfare and reshaping military decision-making. From AI-powered weapons and autonomous drones to predictive algorithms, these technologies are enhancing speed, precision, and effectiveness in combat. However, their rapid adoption raises crucial questions about ethics, accountability, and control. This panel will explore how AI-driven autonomy is transforming modern warfare, examining its role in real-time decision-making and its implications for global defense strategies. Experts will discuss the operational impact of autonomous systems, the risks they pose, and how militaries can ensure these technologies are used responsibly and within the bounds of international law.

As digital systems become the backbone of government operations, identity fraud has evolved from a nuisance into a national security threat. In this short session, Socure’s Jordan Burris joins moderator Robert Shea to unpack key findings from Socure’s recent Fraud in Focus report—research that exposed how international fraud rings, including actors linked to China and Russia, are systematically targeting U.S. government programs. The discussion will explore how identity verification has become a strategic imperative in defending against organized digital attacks that erode trust, disrupt benefits, and compromise mission-critical systems. Attendees will leave with a clear message: if you think your agency is immune to fraud, you're probably not looking hard enough.

Elite Underwriter Session sponsored by Socure

The rapid rise of AI-driven weapons and autonomous systems is reshaping defense strategies and battlefield dynamics. From autonomous drones to AI-powered decision-making algorithms, these technologies promise faster, more precise operations. However, their integration into defense systems requires reform in policies, ethical considerations, and operational frameworks. This panel will explore how next-gen AI is transforming military capabilities, discussing the acceleration of AI-driven weapons, real-time battlefield decisions, and the need for reform to ensure these technologies align with ethical standards and legal frameworks. Experts will highlight the challenges of integrating AI in defense and the steps needed to ensure responsible adoption and use.

The commercialization of space has dramatically reduced the cost of access to orbit, transforming both the space industry and military strategy. With new opportunities for satellite deployments, communication, and surveillance, the space domain is becoming a critical theater for defense operations. This panel will explore how affordable space access is reshaping military strategy, from enhancing real-time intelligence and communication to strengthening national security. Experts will discuss the implications of this new space race, focusing on the challenges, opportunities, and strategic shifts needed to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving space environment.

Vehicle intelligence is the next frontier of AI—embodied, multimodal, and deeply integrated into physical systems across all defense domains. From autonomous convoys to drones and ground robots, this is where Silicon Valley-grade innovation meets dual-use mission impact, enabling warfighters to outpace threats with AI that perceives, understands, and adapts in real time.

Elite Underwriter Session sponsored by Applied Intuition Defense

Bureaucratic red tape and outdated processes can hinder the U.S. military’s ability to respond swiftly in times of crisis. As adversaries innovate rapidly, America’s defense capabilities must adapt to operate at the speed of war, eliminating unnecessary delays and inefficiencies. This panel will examine the systemic barriers slowing defense innovation and discuss strategies for reform. Experts will explore how to streamline decision-making, accelerate procurement, and overcome institutional hurdles to ensure the U.S. military can rapidly deploy and execute on the battlefield.

Hypersonic weapons, advanced interceptors, and air-breathing strike systems are redefining the future of missile defense and deterrence strategies. As these technologies evolve, they offer unprecedented capabilities to counter emerging threats and maintain strategic superiority. This panel will explore how next-generation missile defense systems are shaping 21st-century deterrence, from intercepting hypersonic threats to integrating advanced strike capabilities. Experts will discuss the implications of these advancements for global security, defense strategies, and maintaining military edge in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

The Defense Department’s relationship with Silicon Valley has evolved to the point where defense leaders expect new tech to come from companies they may not have heard of before. Add in the rise in billionaire and venture-capital backed defense companies and the Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital, which offers loans to companies in key tech areas like microelectronics, and there’s a recipe for fierce competition to solve tough national security problems. This panel will discuss the changing tides of defense tech investing, policy barriers, the potential for high margin returns, the effects of ongoing conflicts like Russia’s war on Ukraine, the future of the sector and who is set to become the next Anduril or Palantir. 

Thank you for joining us!