Inside Future Force 2026: Scaling Speed, Production, and the Next Generation Force

Warfare is evolving faster than ever, driven by rapid advances in defense tech, autonomy, advanced manufacturing, and emerging capabilities. At the 2026 Future Force Capabilities Conference, defense leaders, industry experts, and innovators explore how the future force must adapt to deliver speed, scalability, and mission-ready solutions. Recorded live at the conference, Mary-Edens McAbee speaks with conference organizers and technology leaders shaping the future of warfare. Featuring Nick Perry, Jeff Janey, Pete Paulin, Chris Millson, and Jon Williams, the discussion examines how emerging priorities across munitions, autonomy, manufacturing, and acquisition are transforming the industrial base and accelerating the delivery of next-generation defense capabilities. A recurring theme is speed—not only in developing new defense tech, but in scaling production, integrating capabilities, and rapidly fielding solutions for warfighters. The panel explores how the industrial base, acquisition processes, and workforce must evolve to support the future force and maintain a competitive advantage in modern warfare. Drawing lessons from current conflicts, including Ukraine, the conversation highlights how real-world operational feedback is shortening development cycles and reshaping expectations for innovation. The episode offers valuable insights into the future of warfare, the modernization of the industrial base, and the technologies defining the next generation of defense. For updates on our content, sign up for our weekly mailer: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinsti... REGISTER: 2026 NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition September 8-10, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington DC Convention Center: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org/ Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn:   / eti-emerging-technologies-institute   Twitter: https://x.com/EmergingTechETI Facebook:   / emergingtecheti   And for more podcasts, articles, & publications on emerging technology, check out our website at: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinsti... #IndustrialBase #FutureForce #DefenseTech #EmergingTech