Brunson Urges Allied Integration in Defense Tech

At TechNet Indo-Pacific 2026 in Honolulu, the U.S. Forces Korea commander called on defense developers to build systems with partner nations integrated from the outset.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Tech — General

Brunson Urges Allied Integration in Defense Tech

Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, who commands United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea, urged defense industry leaders at TechNet Indo-Pacific 2026 in Honolulu to prioritize seamless coalition networks. He stated, "The age of going it alone is dead," and invited developers to test capabilities on the Korean Peninsula.

Why it matters

Brunson said bridging the digital gap between U.S. and Republic of Korea systems is essential to "Fight Tonight" readiness and continuously integrated deterrence. He argued that rapid iteration is needed to uncover and fix system vulnerabilities before a crisis.

The conference's 2026 theme centers on decision superiority and integrating partner nations into command and control architectures. Brunson urged adoption of open, modular frameworks, though no specific technical specifications were provided.

The players

Xavier T. Brunson

Gen. Xavier T. Brunson commands United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea, and is the senior U.S. military officer overseeing alliance operations on the peninsula.

TechNet Indo-Pacific

TechNet Indo-Pacific is a defense technology forum described as the region's largest strategic technology conference, focused on command and control and partner integration.

The details

Brunson urged industry to adopt open, modular frameworks and to collaborate directly with joint operators on the ground. He told developers that systems must be built with allies integrated from the outset, and invited them to test capabilities in contested environments on the Korean Peninsula.

2026: TechNet Indo-Pacific 2026 is held in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Tech Race

Brunson's call for allied integration from the outset builds on the bilateral structure of Combined Forces Command, which has long coordinated U.S. and Republic of Korea military operations. The push to make digital systems interoperable extends that framework into the next generation of defense technology development.

For defense contractors and software developers, the remarks signal that future procurement may favor systems designed for allied integration from the start. Developers are invited to test capabilities on the Korean Peninsula, which could shape which tools reach operators in the region.

The takeaway

Systems built with partner nations integrated from the outset may become the standard expectation for defense technology in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting the view that acting alone is no longer viable.