China’s Attempt to Reshape the International World Order
China is making significant strides in challenging the international world order by increasing its capacity to reshape international borders and rapidly developing capabilities in artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, shipbuilding, and space capabilities. This was revealed by Heidi Shyu, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, at the recent 10th Annual Defense R&D Summit in Alexandria, Virginia. Shyu emphasized the need for a robust and accelerated science, technology, and development response by the Defense Department to address these long-term challenges. However, she acknowledged that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to accelerating the department’s efforts in acquiring leading-edge technologies.
The Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve Program
To expedite the development and acquisition of cutting-edge technologies, the Defense Department has established the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve program. This program, launched two years ago, aims to address common problems faced by companies and accelerate technology from prototype to validated military capabilities through experimentation and exercises. Shyu highlighted that industry collaborates directly with the services, combatant commanders, and the joint staff in this endeavor. The program primarily focuses on areas crucial to joint warfare in highly contested environments, including command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; unmanned systems; contested logistics; joint fires; information; and command and control.
Facilitating Private-Sector Investment in Critical Technologies
Recognizing the importance of private-sector investment in critical technologies, the Defense Department has established the Office of Strategic Capital. Authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act, this office provides loans to small companies to assist in securing the department’s supply chain and facilitate onshore production of cutting-edge technologies, such as microchips and quantum. The establishment of the Office of Strategic Capital reflects the department’s commitment to fostering collaboration between industry and the defense sector.
Continued Confidence in the Nation’s R&D Enterprise
Despite the challenges posed by China’s rapid technological advancements, Shyu expressed her confidence in the nation’s research and development (R&D) enterprise. She believes that the R&D professionals in the industry will continue to deliver the most advanced military capabilities to the warfighters. With a robust science, technology, and development response, the Defense Department aims to maintain its competitive edge and address the evolving threats posed by China.
Conclusion
China’s efforts to reshape the international world order and its advancements in artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, shipbuilding, and space capabilities pose significant challenges to the United States. In response, the Defense Department is taking steps to accelerate the development and acquisition of cutting-edge technologies. Programs like the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve and the establishment of the Office of Strategic Capital demonstrate the department’s commitment to collaboration with industry and facilitating private-sector investment in critical technologies. Despite the challenges ahead, Shyu remains optimistic about the nation’s R&D enterprise and its ability to provide the most advanced military capabilities to the warfighters.
Analyst comment
Neutral news.
As an analyst, China’s attempt to reshape the international world order and its advancements in various technologies pose significant challenges to the United States. The Defense Department is taking steps to accelerate technology development and acquisition, through programs like the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve and the Office of Strategic Capital. Continued confidence in the nation’s R&D enterprise is expected to help maintain a competitive edge and address evolving threats posed by China.
