Digital Engineering for Defense Summit 2026
The Digital Engineering for Defense Summit is a two-day event focused on advancing engineering approaches that support the rapid development and deployment of modern defense capabilities. Now in its fourth year, the summit convenes stakeholders from across the Department of War, federal government, industry, and academia to examine how digital engineering is influencing defense system design, acquisition, and sustainment.
As defense systems grow in complexity, digital engineering is being applied to improve efficiency across the lifecycle, from initial concept through deployment and sustainment. The event will address how data-driven methodologies, model-based systems engineering, and integrated digital environments are being used to reduce risk, improve interoperability, and accelerate delivery timelines across the joint force.
When is the Event?
The Digital Engineering for Defense Summit will take place on June 24–25, 2026.
Themes
The summit will explore the implementation of digital engineering across defense programs, with a focus on supporting acquisition, sustainment, and operational readiness. Sessions will examine how digital transformation initiatives are being applied across air, land, and space domains, including efforts to scale digital engineering practices across major programs.
Additional discussion areas include aligning data strategy and software acquisition with engineering processes, enabling continuous modernization, and applying digital tools to support faster and more coordinated system development across the services.
What’s On?
The program will feature presentations and discussions led by senior defense and engineering leaders, focused on the application of digital engineering tools and methodologies within defense environments. Attendees will gain insight into how digital approaches—such as modeling and simulation, digital twins, digital threads, and AI/ML—are being used to support capability development and lifecycle management.
Sessions will examine practical implementation efforts, including how programs are being developed with digital engineering at their core. The agenda also provides opportunities for engagement and discussion, allowing participants to exchange perspectives on current challenges and approaches to adoption across the defense sector.
The summit is structured as an educational and training forum for government attendees, supporting engagement with industry and academia while addressing mission priorities.
Speakers
The summit will feature speakers from across the defense and engineering community, including:
- Rosie Bauer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Data, Engineering, and Software
- James Amato, SES, Executive Technical Director / Deputy to the Commander, US Army Test and Evaluation Command
- Jason Thomas, Director of Systems Engineering, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition
- Michael Heaphy, Director, Defense Standardization Program Office
- COL Jeffrey Poquette, USA, Project Manager, MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft
- Col Ian Slazinik, PhD, USAF, Director, STAT COE, Air Force Institute of Technology
- Col Robert Enrico, USSF, Space Systems Integration Office, Space Systems Command
- Jennifer Swanson, SES (Ret), Vice President, Digital & Next-Gen Solutions, Cypress International
- RDML (Ret) Jason Lloyd, USN, Vice President, Maritime Engineering and Design, TotalTek
- Timothy Gramp, Chief Technology Officer, Expansia
- Alex Boydston, Digital Engineering Chief Engineer, CPE Aviation
- Christian Ryan, Acquisition Director, Digital Transformation Office, US Air Force
Previous Highlights
Previous editions of the summit have addressed the integration of digital engineering into defense acquisition and development processes. Discussions have focused on improving coordination across stakeholders, applying digital tools to complex system development, and supporting more efficient delivery and sustainment of defense capabilities.
The event has also examined ongoing digital transformation efforts across the services, including the adoption of model-based approaches and data-driven engineering practices.
Where is the Event?
American Institute of Architects (AIA International)
1735 New York Ave NW
Washington, DC 20005
United States
To learn more about Digital Engineering for Defense Summit 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
