Defense Acquisition Process Criticized in New Report
A new Henry Jackson Society report calls for faster integration of commercial technology into military systems.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Military
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Associate research fellow Barak Seener released a report arguing that the U.S. defense acquisition process must evolve to maintain a military advantage. The analysis suggests that traditional timelines are failing to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
Why it matters
Military superiority now depends on the ability to integrate commercial innovations faster than adversaries. Current frameworks must shift to treat software as a continuously developing capability rather than a static product.
The report evaluates the impact of defense acquisition reforms launched in 2025, which introduced portfolio executives to manage requirements and resources. The exact efficacy of these roles in accelerating program terminations remains under investigation.
The players
Barak Seener
He is an associate research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society who specializes in defense strategy and acquisition policy.
Henry Jackson Society
It is a London-based foreign policy think tank that focuses on promoting liberal democracy and effective defense strategies.
Pentagon
This is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense and serves as the primary entity responsible for national military acquisition.
The details
The report emphasizes that the Pentagon should leverage commercial sector technologies, including AI, cloud computing, and autonomy, to remain competitive. It urges portfolio managers to exercise stronger authority over program termination and resource allocation to ensure rapid adaptation.
Timeline
The Pentagon began its defense acquisition reforms in 2025.
The Henry Jackson Society report was released on September 28, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of rapid acquisition reform often argue that reduced oversight creates risks regarding procurement transparency and fiscal accountability. Critics may contend that rushing to integrate commercial tech could compromise long-term strategic stability or military readiness standards.
These changes in acquisition strategy aim to streamline how the military procures technology, potentially impacting national defense funding priorities. Taxpayers should note that the success of these reforms may influence the speed and cost-effectiveness of modern equipment deployment.
The takeaway
Future military dominance will be determined by how quickly organizations can learn and integrate new tools from the commercial sector. Leaders must treat software as a dynamic, evolving capability to ensure they do not fall behind rapidly innovating adversaries.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Military policy across the country.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Defense One.
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