DefenseTech TV: Accelerating Mission Technologies Across All Domains

In this special episode of DefenseTech TV, we bring together top voices from both government and industry to explore how advanced technology, agile processes, and strategic partnerships are reshaping the future of national defense. With insights from military leaders and executives at HII Mission Technologies, we dive into the evolving landscape of CJADC2, cyber operations, AI, electronic warfare, and field-ready innovation. From interoperability challenges to autonomous systems and multi-domain operations, this episode showcases how defense organizations are integrating cutting-edge tech to deliver faster, smarter outcomes for the warfighter. Building a CJADC2 Future Garry Schwartz, Chief Operating Officer of HII Mission Technologies, provides a realistic assessment of the current state and future goals of CJADC2. He explains that while the Department of Defense envisions seamless joint and coalition operations, the technology and operational frameworks are still evolving. Schwartz stresses that CJADC2 is not a product or system, but a suite of capabilities often still in development. Achieving true interoperability means creating systems that can dynamically share data in a contested environment—a major challenge given today’s legacy architectures. He advocates for replacing rigid standards with AI-driven data mesh architectures that translate, adapt, and distribute data where and when it's needed. Cyber Defense at Global Scale Rear Admiral Dennis Velez, Acting Deputy Commander at U.S. Cyber Command, shares insights from the Cyber Guard 25 exercise, a large-scale test involving over 6,000 cyber operators, multiple combatant commands, and Five Eyes allies. Velez details how the newly formed Cyber Defense Command is leading efforts to defend the Department of Defense’s global networks. He underscores the need for interoperability, not only across the services but also with domestic agencies and international partners. Artificial intelligence and high-powered computing are central to Cyber Command's ability to detect threats, act in real time, and support joint operations. Velez also discusses the command’s AI Task Force, which is rapidly prototyping tools that help cyber operators keep pace with evolving threats. Architecting Tomorrow’s Tech  John Bell, Chief Technology Officer at HII Mission Technologies, explores how AI, autonomy, and quantum computing are shaping the next generation of defense solutions. Bell describes how agentic AI can act like a digital team of collaborators, communicating and problem-solving at machine speed to augment human decision-making. He also highlights the urgency of preparing for quantum computing, which poses both threats to current cryptographic methods and opportunities for enhanced security. Bell emphasizes the importance of edge computing to bring AI capabilities closer to where missions happen—from drones to cockpit systems—and explains that none of this is possible without a robust data strategy across the enterprise. The Spectrum Advantage Jennifer Edgin, Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare (N2N6), offers a comprehensive view of how the Navy is redefining electronic warfare (EW). She describes EW as a strategic use of the electromagnetic spectrum to degrade, disrupt, or deceive adversaries while safeguarding friendly operations. Edgin emphasizes the need to treat EW as part of a broader, interconnected ecosystem that spans R&D, design, deployment, and sustainment. She discusses how AI tools can free sailors from data overload and support faster, more accurate decisions. Integrating design thinking into development processes and fostering a collaborative Navy culture are key themes in her segment. Speed to the Fight Grant Hagen, President of Warfare Systems at HII Mission Technologies, discusses how innovation must be built for speed and grounded in user feedback. His team works directly with warfighters to identify real problems and develop solutions using agile, DevSecOps models. Hagen explains how participating in field exercises accelerates product validation and refinement, ensuring that technologies are mission-ready. He highlights the role of open-ended contracting approaches like OTAs and CSOs in fostering flexibility and speed. Integration is another key focus, with Hagen advocating for early planning and design standards that support multi-vendor, multi-domain, and coalition operations.