On August 17, 2026, the U.S. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy unveiled the National Security Science and Technology Strategy. For the first time, it explicitly designated the maintenance of scientific and technological leadership as a national security objective. This signifies a strategic shift in the U.S. approach, evolving from merely pursuing leadership in science and technology to regarding science and technology as integral components of national security.

The strategy zeroes in on three pivotal domains: underwater technologies, space exploration, and artificial intelligence coupled with autonomous systems. It encompasses 14 categories of critical enabling technologies, including advanced manufacturing and materials, communications and networking, as well as quantum information technology.

Emphasis is placed on fostering technological resilience, expediting the pace of innovation, and safeguarding the national security science and technology infrastructure. To bolster scientific and technological competitiveness, the strategy advocates for public-private partnerships, optimizing the allocation of R&D funding, and luring top-tier global talent. Furthermore, it involves tightening security controls over federally funded scientific research projects to thwart foreign theft, diversion, and exploitation of U.S. scientific and technological advancements.