DIU Archives

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare a first-person view small unmanned aircraft system during an FPV sUAS live fire demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 29, 2026. I MEF, in partnership with Defense Innovation Unit, evaluated fiber-optic drones for use in signal-degraded environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joshua Bustamante)

DIU tries to transition tech to the frontlines faster with launch of new Bridge Program

The initiative marks the unit’s latest move under Owen West’s leadership to rapidly supply measurable combat power to the joint force.

Aug 20, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

Then-U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Joseph Kunkel, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander, stands in an F-15E Strike Eagle July 9, 2021, in an undisclosed location somewhere in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cameron Otte)

DIU’s first active-duty military deputy wants to help U.S. forces meet future fights ‘with swagger’

Two senior officials discussed the Defense Innovation Unit's plan to equip American forces with the right and best weapons, faster than ever before.

Jul 24, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

A target is hit by a first-person view small unmanned aircraft system strike during an FPV sUAS live fire demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 29, 2026. I Marine Expeditionary Force, in partnership with Defense Innovation Unit, evaluated fiber-optic drones for use in signal-degraded environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joshua Bustamante)

In its next chapter, DIU aims to reduce the military’s ‘cost per kill’

In an exclusive interview with DefenseScoop, Owen West shared new details about his vision to reshape DIU’s operational structure to fit its modern mission.

Jul 15, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

DIU reshaping its tech priorities and portfolio teams under new leadership

DefenseScoop has early details about a major reorganization effort and shake-up that was recently initiated by DIU's new director, Owen West.

Jul 6, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosts a drone demonstration at the Pentagon, July 10, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alondra Y. Lopez Gonzalez)

Hegseth realigning DOD’s scattered unmanned and autonomy work under new drone boss

A Pentagon spokesperson declined to share whether an interim DRPM-UxS director has been named.

Jul 1, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

An AH-64E Apache assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, prepares to land in a forward arming and refueling point in order to receive refuel before conducting operations for Operation Epic Fury in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 2, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Trump recounts how Army pilots involved in helicopter crash and drone boat rescue were ‘very lucky’

"That bomb was lodged in the helicopter, it didn't explode, it was on fire, but it didn't explode," Trump said.

Jun 10, 2026 By Jon Harper

A U.S. Navy Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) maneuvers in the Atlantic Ocean during UNITAS 2025, the 66th iteration of the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

Navy looking to emulate signals on maritime drones to train systems for Pacific Fleet

The Defense Innovation Unit is trying to aid the Navy via its Emulation Module for Unmanned Systems (EMU) program.

Apr 2, 2026 By Jon Harper

A U.S. Air Force XQ-58A Valkyrie, an autonomous, low-cost tactical unmanned air vehicle, flies over Eglin Air Force Base’s Gulf Test and Training Range. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ilka Cole)

Pentagon, IC want industry to provide an ‘evaluation harness’ to standardize testing of AI systems

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) launched a a program called MYSTIC DEPOT.

Mar 11, 2026 By Jon Harper

A Soldier assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment employs lethal small unmanned aerial systems during a visit with Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth at Fort Benning, Georgia on Sept. 4, 2025. (DVIDS — Photo by Spc. Luke Sullivan)

DOD placing first Drone Dominance orders this week, with deliveries slated for 17 military units in March

Senior officials shared new details about those and other pursuits to rapidly enhance the U.S. drone industry and associated weapons arsenal.

Mar 5, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Carlos Perez-armenta, a logistics specialist with 1st Distribution Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, operates an Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel during testing on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 22, 2026. The ALPV is an autonomous logistics delivery system the Marine Corps is experimenting with to deliver supplies and equipment in a timely manner throughout the littorals. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mary Torres)

U.S. military seeks more ALPV capability to resupply troops in contested littoral environments

Marines have been experimenting with autonomous low-profile vessels. This week, the Defense Innovation Unit issued a solicitation to industry.

Mar 4, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence