McKinsey & Company
Nuclear thermal space propulsion
Ultrawide bandgap materials
Quantum key distribution
Brain–computer interface
High-entropy alloys
Quantum computing
Next-generation solar
3D heterogeneous integration
Next-generation biosensors
Quantum sensing
Multifunctional radio frequency
Microreactors
AI
Low-probability-of-intercept radar or detection wireless networks
Space laser (optical) communications
Attritable autonomous systems
Key defense technology trends span three critical stages, depending on maturity and readiness.
Relative maturity of 17 example defense technology trends
Primarily defense-led
Primarily civil- or commercial-led
Select a defense technology trend to reveal more
Undersea optical laser communications
Nascent
Mature
Emerging innovation
Maturing technology
Scalable capabilities
1
2
3
Scalable capabilities
Multifunctional radio frequency
Technology
Radio frequency systems capable of supporting multiple functions—such as communication, radar, and electronic warfare—within a single system
Description
Greater mission capability by integrating communication, sensing, and electronic warfare functions into a single, lighter, and more adaptable platform
What this unlocks
12/17
Primarily defense-led
Emerging innovation
Primarily defense-led
Nuclear thermal space propulsion
Technology
Thrust generated by liquid propellant pumped through the core of a small nuclear reactor undergoing fission
Description
Interplanetary travel and interorbital repositioning
What this unlocks
01/17
Emerging innovation
Primarily defense-led
Ultrawide bandgap materials
Technology
Materials characterized by exceptionally large energy gaps that can withstand higher electric fields than conventional materials and have lower intrinsic losses
Description
Higher output and more-efficient microwave and power-generating electronics
What this unlocks
03/17
Emerging innovation
Primarily defense-led
Brain–computer interface
Technology
Direct communication pathway between the brain and external devices, enhancing human–machine interaction
Description
Ability to command and control at machine speed (eg, counter-unmanned aircraft systems)
What this unlocks
02/17
Emerging innovation
Primarily defense-led
High-entropy alloys
Technology
Metals combining five or more principal elements, offering exceptional or unique material properties
Description
Materials with superior strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability
What this unlocks
04/17
Emerging innovation
Primarily defense-led
Undersea optical laser communications
Technology
Visible-light communication systems that achieve data rates up to one million times faster than acoustic systems
Description
Real-time data transfer for underwater vehicles without a surfacing requirement
What this unlocks
05/17
Emerging innovation
Primarily civil- or commercial-led
Quantum computing
Technology
Technology leveraging quantum mechanics to perform complex calculations exponentially faster than classical computers
Description
Exponentially faster data processing than classical computers on specific types of tasks, enabling faster decision-making, logistics optimization, and encryption cracking
What this unlocks
06/17
Emerging innovation
Primarily defense-led
Quantum key distribution
Technology
Secure communication method of transmitting photons containing a random key sequence over fiber optic cables
Description
Unbreakable network encryption for diplomatic and military communications across continents
What this unlocks
07/17
Maturing technology
Primarily civil- or commercial-led
Next-generation space solar
Technology
Advanced solar technologies with higher efficiency and less weight, critical for space
Description
High-powered solar devices in austere environments (eg, space)
What this unlocks
08/17
Maturing technology
Primarily civil- or commercial-led
Next-generation biosensors
Technology
High-sensitivity devices for real-time monitoring of biological markers in various environments
Description
09/17
Maturing technology
Primarily civil- or commercial-led
3D heterogeneous integration
Technology
Semiconductor packaging that integrates various components produced at different nodes or with different processes into a single package
Description
Potentially higher-performance, more-affordable, more-efficient, smaller, lighter, multifunctional, and zero-trust chip designs
What this unlocks
10/17
Maturing technology
Primarily civil- or commercial-led
Quantum sensing
Technology
Sensing that uses quantum properties to achieve ultraprecise measurements, enhancing navigation and detection capabilities
Description
Full operational capability in GPS-denied environments; a new generation of broader band sensors
What this unlocks
11/17
Scalable capabilities
Primarily defense-led
Microreactors
Technology
Compact nuclear reactors with an energy output of less than 20 megawatts of electricity, designed for easy transport by road, rail, or aircraft
Description
Resilient, portable, and continuous power for remote bases, advanced weapon systems, and critical infrastructure
What this unlocks
13/17
Scalable capabilities
Primarily civil- or commercial-led
AI
Technology
Systems that simulate human intelligence to enhance decision-making, process automation, and operational efficiency
Description
Predictive threat analysis and autonomous systems optimization; step change in efficiency and affordability of defense operations to accelerate decision-making
What this unlocks
14/17
Scalable capabilities
Primarily defense-led
Space laser (optical) communications
Technology
Systems that encode data into light signals using pulse modulation schemes, transmitting information via focused beams over long distances
Description
Secure, high-bandwidth, low-latency data transfer on orbit and space-to-ground communication
What this unlocks
15/17
Scalable capabilities
Primarily defense-led
Low-probability-of-intercept radar and detection wireless networks
Technology
Systems that employ various techniques, including frequency hopping, spread spectrum, and advanced encryption to secure networks
Description
Secure, resilient, covert communications in contested environments
What this unlocks
16/17
Scalable capabilities
Primarily civil- or commercial-led
Attritable autonomous systems
Technology
Low-cost, expendable autonomous platforms designed for high-risk, high-impact missions
Description
Force multiplication without putting human lives at risk
What this unlocks
17/17
Wearable biosensors offering capabilities such as monitoring physiological stress and fatigue levels, diagnosing battlefield injuries, and detecting agents of chemical warfare
What this unlocks