From Requirement-Driven to Market-Ready: Rethinking How Defense Technology Reaches the Warfighter

By Ryan Scirocco
Business Development Director, Advanced Effects, Missile Solutions

The defense industry has long operated under a well-established model where the government identifies a mission requirement, sets forth detailed specifications, and industry responds with tailored solutions. This paradigm has indeed generated some of the most advanced defense technologies worldwide.

However, the contemporary landscape presents a challenge, necessitating a shift in thinking for both industry and government regarding when to adhere to this traditional approach. The operational environment is rapidly changing, with threats evolving at an unprecedented pace and technology development cycles shrinking. Concurrently, the Department of War is prioritizing speed, production capacity, and timely solutions that can be delivered directly to warfighters.

In light of these developments, recent reforms in acquisition processes have underscored the need for industry-led solutions and commercial products. Such reforms advocate for more adaptable avenues to deliver essential capabilities in the field.

This shift opens a significant opportunity for the defense industry to reconsider not just the products we develop, but the very methodologies we employ in doing so.

Read Full Article in ‘Breaking Defense’

Source: L3Harris (2026-10-13)