AI for Defense Summit

The 2026 AI for Defense Summit will convene senior leaders and innovators from the Department of War, Intelligence Community, federal government, industry, and academia to explore how AI is being operationalized for national security. As AI continues to transition from experimentation to deployment, the 5th Annual Summit will highlight real-world applications that are enhancing decision-making, accelerating intelligence analysis, strengthening C2, and enabling resilient and responsive warfighting capabilities across multi-domains. Topics include institutionalizing AI across the Army enterprise, harnessing innovation, operationalizing AI for CJADC2, data management for AI, delivering capabilities at speed, and championing innovation to shape American leadership in AI. The summit will also cover the recently released Department of War Artificial Intelligence Acceleration Strategy, integrating commercial innovations, accelerating acquisition reform, and supporting the development and deployment of AI tools that empower Warfighters and decision-makers. Discussions will emphasize the transition from experimentation to execution, integration of AI into workflows, advancing joint and coalition interoperability, and delivering decision advantage. Keynotes and panel discussions will delve into generative and agentic AI, autonomous systems, data infrastructure, AI-enabled command and control, as well as critical enablers like workforce development, human machine teaming, model validation and trust, cybersecurity, and resilient architectures for contested environments.