The Pentagon announced new procurements for the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program with a total value exceeding $500 million. The initiative, which falls under the Pentagon’s Research and Engineering directorate, is designed to speed the delivery of new technology to military services and combatant commands while expanding partnerships with small and non-traditional vendors and venture-backed companies.

More than $70 million of the newly announced funding is allocated specifically for software capabilities. The procurement list includes a range of systems spanning artificial intelligence platforms, autonomous vehicles, counter-drone technologies, and space-based assets., the totals disclosed do not include any classified procurements, according to the Defense Department.

Among the specific procurements detailed in the announcement is the ARCHER AI platform for decision advantage, acquired for U.S. Pacific Command at a cost of $10 million. Cybergenome AI binary analysis software was procured for U.S.

Cyber Command for $10 million, and an intelligence and operations threat planning tool was acquired by the Air Force for $15.2 million. A machine assisted information sharing (MAIS) system for rapid intelligence disclosure was procured for U.S. Space Command for $10 million, while SCEPTER, an AI-based course of action generation system, was acquired by U.S. Southern Command for $10 million.

For U.S. Special Operations Command, the Pentagon procured both an operator tactical intranet systems (OTIS) tactical assault kit for $17 million and “Unruly” one-way attack drones valued at $31 million. The Marine Corps received the autonomous low-profile vehicle (ALPV) Liberty for $32.58 million.

The Navy’s acquisitions include the Drake counter-drone system for $11.35 million and the persistent subsea autonomous profiler (PSAP) for $30.8 million. The Air Force also obtained low-collateral effects interceptors and multi-mission unmanned aerial systems for $17.5 million, while U.S. Space Command added the Mira highly maneuverable spacecraft to its inventory for $19.75 million.

According to a Pentagon press release, “By aligning funding with near-term operational needs, APFIT has enabled the rapid deployment of mission-critical systems across mission areas including autonomous systems, electronic warfare, expeditionary manufacturing, counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS), resilient communications, contested logistics and resilient energy.” The program has delivered more than 100 capabilities to the military since its inception, and the total value of all APFIT awards now exceeds $2 billion.

Emil Michael, Pentagon Chief Technology Officer, said, “APFIT has fundamentally reshaped how the Department of War accelerates the transition of innovative technologies to the warfighter.” He added, “Our adversaries are not waiting, and neither will we.” Michael also stated, “By scaling the APFIT program past $2 billion, we are equipping the Joint Force with the lethal capabilities to guarantee dominance on the battlefield.”

The APFIT program represents a shift in defense acquisition strategy by prioritizing speed, flexibility, and direct alignment with operational commands’ near-term needs. Instead of relying solely on traditional defense contractors, the program expands opportunities for small businesses and venture-backed firms to contribute advanced technologies to national security missions. This approach aims to maintain U.S. technological superiority growing global competition.

With over $2 billion committed since the program began and more than 100 capabilities already fielded, APFIT has become a major channel for delivering emerging technologies across domains—including space, cyber, maritime, and special operations. The latest $500 million tranche reinforces the Pentagon’s emphasis on rapid innovation as a core element of military readiness.