Adm. Stephen Koehler, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, urged defense and industry leaders to accelerate the acquisition and deployment of advanced technologies to service members, Defense One reported Thursday.
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Why Is Adm. Koehler Urging Faster Tech Adoption?
Speaking at the AFCEA TechNet Indo-Pacific conference, Koehler emphasized the need for a rapid acquisition strategy to outpace adversaries in equipping forces with advanced systems capable of operating inside the weapons engagement zone. He encouraged a “holistic, innovative approach” to technology integration and urged the Navy to “embrace the red,” a mindset focused on confronting problems directly, adapting quickly and addressing challenges at speed.
Koehler said the Pacific Fleet continues to integrate artificial intelligence into its operations, using AI-driven tools for data analysis and expanding efforts to enhance command control and decision-making. He outlined a vision in which AI accelerates maneuver and fires cycles for more decisive combat responses.
He also called for deeper collaboration between the military and defense industry, citing Indo-Pacific Command’s innovation hub, The Forge, as a model for rapid experimentation. Koehler added that sailors must have the authority to repair and reconfigure their own systems in the field to maintain resilience and readiness.
