Defense Innovation Unit Teams Up with INDOPACOM to Develop Advanced Technology
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has announced its partnership with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) to collaborate on the development and acquisition of cutting-edge technology. The DIU, which started as a facilitator connecting industry and government for technological innovation, has now matured into a direct partner of the Defense Department to help meet its scientific advancement needs.
As INDOPACOM establishes its new directorate called the Joint Mission Accelerator, it will be working closely with the DIU and the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to advance its top priority initiatives. The DIU will contribute by embedding one of its team members as the deputy director and chief technology officer for this effort.
One of the main areas of focus for the DIU and INDOPACOM collaboration is the development of a joint fires network. This network aims to create a digital platform for sharing information and making decisions, serving as part of the Navy’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) capabilities in connecting sensors to shooters.
Adm. John Aquilino, the commander of INDOPACOM, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration with DIU and mentioned three additional technology initiatives encompassed under the Joint Mission Accelerator. These initiatives include Stormbreaker, an artificial intelligence wargaming program and mission partner environment, as well as the Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability, designed for training simulated battle scenarios.
The decision to make the DIU a direct report to the Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s office was accompanied by plans for its expansion, referred to as DIU 3.0. This expansion aims to enhance the organization’s collaboration with partners in the Department of Defense.
Alongside INDOPACOM, the DIU has embedded staff with several other commands, including the U.S. European Command. Some partnerships involve significant technology sprints, while others focus on smaller and unique projects. For example, DIU Chief Medical Officer Cmdr. Niels Olson is involved in a Naval Postgraduate School research project studying the impact of extreme environments on crew performance during a seven-week Arctic transit aboard a Coast Guard icebreaker.
With a focus on research projects ranging from Arctic environmental studies to testing novel search and rescue technologies, the DIU is committed to supporting a variety of important initiatives.
The partnership between DIU and INDOPACOM marks a significant milestone for the DIU, highlighting its evolution from a facilitator to a key player in advancing the defense technology landscape. By working closely with the Defense Department and its partners, the DIU is poised to contribute to major technological advancements that will aid the military’s critical mission needs.
