Acquisition leaders emphasize mission, speed, risk in changing acquisition culture

During the “Sustaining Forces Through Acquisition and Innovation” panel held at the 2026 AFA Air, Space and Cyber Conference, senior acquisition and Defense Agency Fellows (DAF) highlighted a significant shift occurring within the acquisition landscape. Leaders emphasized prioritizing mission objectives alongside speed in their discussions regarding this ongoing acquisition transformation. The core focus now centers on establishing operational outcomes as the primary driver for all acquisition decisions. Participants underscored the importance of adapting to these changes while acknowledging the inherent risks associated with rapid shifts in strategy. This proactive approach aims to bolster defense capabilities through more effective and responsive procurement processes.