Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Archives

With growing presence, DIU continues efforts to lower barriers for new entrants

“I think now we’re in an even better position to focus on what the big rocks are, which are really around how do we lower the barriers…

Jan 3, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

DIU moves to accelerate military-enabling batteries, counter supply chain strains

DefenseScoop was briefed on the latest plans for a new line of effort in the Defense Innovation Unit's energy portfolio.

Dec 13, 2024 By Brandi Vincent

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks boards the USS Constellation in Baltimore, Md. Sept. 20, 2024, for the naming ceremony of the future submarine USS Baltimore. Hicks accepted the offer of becoming the sub’s sponsor from Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom)

DOD taps ‘integrated software enablers’ to help fully realize ambitious Replicator plans

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks shed new light on the initiative and capabilities it is accelerating.

Nov 13, 2024 By Brandi Vincent

A Ukrainian drone operator who gave the name Artem pilots an attack drone as Ukrainian soldiers of the 108th Territorial Defense Brigade test fly a Ukrainian-made Vampire drone, with six rotors, night vision and thermal imaging capabilities, and capable of carrying four 82mm artillery shells, near the southern frontline on February 21, 2024 in Ukraine. (Photo by Scott Peterson/Getty Images)

Pentagon shopping for ‘low-cost, one-way’ drones with extended ranges

"Recent conflicts have highlighted the asymmetric impact low-cost, one-way unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have on the modern battlefield," DIU says in its solicitation.

Oct 3, 2024 By Billy Mitchell

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his U.K. and Australian counterparts host a press conference in London at the third AUKUS ministerial meetings, Sept. 26, 2024. (Photo by Brandi Vincent)

AUKUS eyes opportunities for expansion — on a ‘project-by-project’ basis

Defense officials discussed why the trilateral security partnership won’t be expanding under Pillar 1 any time soon — or maybe ever.

Sep 30, 2024 By Brandi Vincent

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III greets First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Sept. 13, 2024. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)

Exclusive: Defense Secretary Austin unveils aims to push counter-UAS tech in Replicator 2.0

DefenseScoop has exclusive details on what's to come under Replicator 2.0 via a memorandum signed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Sep 30, 2024 By Brandi Vincent Mikayla Easley

John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom hosts Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia and Lloyd Austin Secretary of Defense, United States (U.S.) at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, the United Kingdom (UK) to review progress in and reaffirm their commitment to the AUKUS partnership, Sept. 26, 2024. (Photo by Brandi Vincent)

AUKUS shares results of inaugural Electronic Warfare Challenge

DIU, Australia’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator and the United Kingdom’s Defence and Security Accelerator collectively launched this EW challenge in March as part of AUKUS Pillar 2.

Sep 26, 2024 By Brandi Vincent

An aerial view of the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 15, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. John Wright)

Air Force secures its first Replicator system as part of second tranche

Multiple sources indicated to DefenseScoop that the Air Force put forth drones in its Enterprise Test Vehicle program for the Pentagon's Replicator initiative.

Sep 6, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

U.S. Air Force communications specialists, assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, check a radio antenna’s alignment with a satellite, as part of a Communications Fly Away Kit (CFK) deployment at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, July 10, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo)

DIU seeks data mesh solution to unify distribution across DOD networks

The innovation hub is on the hunt for a capability that "can reliably and efficiently distribute data across multiple, geographically-dispersed network enclaves that can communicate with each…

Sep 4, 2024 By Billy Mitchell

Gen. Laura Richardson, Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown, and DIU Director Beck meet with colleagues and counterparts in Chile. (DIU Photo)

DIU chief joins military leaders in Chile to discuss emerging technology priorities

Doug Beck briefed DefenseScoop on his recent trip.

Aug 30, 2024 By Brandi Vincent