Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, warning that the Pentagon's technological advantage is eroding, announced an ambitious effort on Saturday to identify and develop weapons systems that would enable continued U.S. military dominance in the 21st century.
Hagel, in a speech at the Reagan National Defense Forum, said the new Defense Innovation Initiative would include an effort to develop and field breakthroughs from cutting-edge technologies, including robotics, autonomous systems, miniaturization, big data and three-dimensional printing.
Noting that the Defense Department does not dominate the technologies it hoped to exploit, Hagel said the Pentagon would reach out to businesses and universities for ideas and help in advancing its effort.