Pentagon Official: Future Warfare Relies on AI, Biotech, and On-Site 3D-Printed Explosives

The future of warfare hinges on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and novel rapid production methods, according to Joseph Jewell, the Pentagon's deputy assistant secretary for science and technology. Jewell highlighted how the conflict in Ukraine has dramatically reshaped military technology, with Ukraine deploying weapons that emerged only after the Russian invasion began.

"The ability to bring relevant capabilities to the battlefield that practically did not exist at the start of the fighting represents the true novelty," Jewell explained, stressing the U.S. need to learn from Ukraine's rapid adaptation. He pointed to Ukraine's overnight drone industry development, driven by urgent necessity, and its success in neutralizing much of Russia's Black Sea fleet using small, hard-to-detect systems, despite lacking a conventional navy.

While complex and costly weapons remain vital, Jewell believes the future belongs to AI-coordinated drones, moving beyond current operator-guided models. To accelerate this technological advancement, the Pentagon has launched a strategy to simplify private companies' access to government-held patents. The Department of Defense possesses tens of thousands of patents, which previously generated modest annual revenues of about $20 million.

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The ability to bring relevant capabilities to the battlefield that practically did not exist at the start of the fighting represents the true novelty.

In January, Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Emil Michael, announced a "patent holiday." This program allows private companies to license around 500 government patents for free. By mid-June, 14 patents had been transferred for commercial use, 36 were pending approval, and another 145 applications were registered.

Another key Pentagon strategy involves merging biotechnology with AI. Jewell cited a bio-engineered thermal coating designed to help drones mask their heat signatures. He also described a recent U.S. Marine Corps experiment in the Pacific, where Marines used 3D printers and local materials, including plastic bottles, ground volcanic rock, coconut husks, and coffee grounds, to manufacture cumulative explosive charges directly in the field. "All detonated, with the volcanic rocks proving most effective," Jewell stated.

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All detonated, the volcanic rocks proving to be the most effective.