Autonomy in Defense 2026: Advancing Trusted AI and Autonomous Capabilities Across the Joint Force

Autonomy in Defense 2026, hosted by Corinium Global Intelligence, convenes defense and industry leaders to advance trusted AI and autonomous capabilities across the joint force By Joseph Macey / 05 Mar 2026

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Global security dynamics continue to change rapidly, and defense organizations are operating in increasingly complex environments as a result. Staying ahead of the curve on autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities has never been more mission critical.

From expanded Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiatives to the formal establishment of new robotics and autonomous systems offices within the Department of Defense, momentum is building across the federal defense ecosystem.

Leaders are prioritizing faster decision cycles, resilient networks at the tactical edge, and data-driven operations capable of delivering advantage at speed and scale.

Autonomy in Defense 2026: Advancing Trusted AI and Autonomous Capabilities Across the Joint Force

Autonomy in Defense 2026, hosted by Corinium Global Intelligence, will convene senior military leaders, federal decision-makers, and industry innovators on March 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C., to define the next phase of trusted autonomous capability integration. The summit will focus on how AI-enabled systems and autonomy can enhance mission effectiveness while maintaining ethical oversight, interoperability, and operational trust.

Building distributed, data-centric defense capabilities

Recent developments across the U.S. defense community underscore the urgency of accelerating autonomous capability deployment.

The expansion of AI-enabled intelligence platforms, increased investment in robotic and unmanned systems, and efforts to modernize command-and-control architectures all signal a shift toward data-centric, distributed operations.

Modern warfare is increasingly defined not only by kinetic capability, but by the ability to integrate data across domains, fuse intelligence in real time, and empower small, forward-deployed units with trusted decision-support tools.

This evolution demands:

  • Seamless interoperability across services and allied partners
  • Secure, low-latency data flows in contested electromagnetic environments
  • Human-machine teaming models that enhance, rather than replace, warfighter judgment
  • AI systems that are mission-aligned, auditable, and ethically governed

Autonomy in Defense 2026 will provide a dedicated forum to address these operational challenges.

Learn more >>

Key Themes of the Summit

The program will explore how defense agencies are moving from pilot programs to enterprise-scale autonomy deployment. Core areas of focus include:

  • Mission-Driven Autonomy – Leveraging uncrewed and AI-enabled systems to increase operational tempo and reduce risk to personnel
  • Trusted and Ethical AI – Building governance frameworks that ensure transparency, accountability, and reliability in defense applications
  • Human-Machine Teaming – Enhancing cognitive overmatch by integrating AI-powered analytics into tactical and strategic decision-making
  • Operational Integration and Interoperability – Coordinating autonomous systems across domains, services, and allied networks

Sessions will examine how data can be transformed from a fragmented asset into a strategic enabler, supporting everything from edge-based AI inference to enterprise-level decision advantage.

View the agenda and speaker lineup >>

Who should attend

Autonomy in Defense 2026 is designed for senior leaders responsible for advancing autonomy and AI across defense and national security, including:

  • Program managers and capability developers
  • Directors of autonomy, robotics, and emerging technologies
  • AI/ML leads and Chief Technology Officers
  • Senior officials across federal defense agencies and military branches

The event will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, and interactive roundtables, offering opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers shaping the future of autonomous defense systems.

Registration for Autonomy in Defense 2026 is open now. Government professionals may be eligible for complimentary passes.

Learn more or register here>>

Posted by Joseph Macey Joseph Macey is a Content Specialist at Defense Advancement, where he has focused on emerging defense technologies since joining in 2022. His expertise spans tactical UAS, rugged computing, and Satellite Communication Systems. After graduating in Journalism from Falmouth University, Joseph began his career in 2019 as a local reporter. His journalism background enhances both his reporting and interview skills, enabling him to provide insightful, authoritative analysis of the latest trends shaping the defense industry. Connect
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