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WARFARE IS CHANGING — FAST By 2026, the battlefield isn’t evolving. It’s being rewritten. What’s shaping the future of war right now: • Hypersonic weapons Mach 5+ strikes. Near-impossible to intercept. Decisions measured in seconds. • Autonomous drone swarms AI-driven, decentralized, and overwhelming traditional defenses. • Directed-energy weapons Lasers and microwaves. Low cost per shot. Perfect for killing drones and missiles. • Agentic AI AI that plans, predicts, targets, and optimizes logistics faster than humans ever could. • Counter-drone systems Handheld, vehicle-mounted, and networked defenses to stop mass UAV attacks. • Quantum tech Unbreakable encryption and massive computing power moving toward the battlefield. • Biomanufacturing & contested logistics Producing fuel, parts, and supplies on demand in denied environments. This isn’t sci-fi. These systems are entering service now. AI enables autonomy. Directed energy counters swarms. Everything is networked. The side that integrates fastest wins. 📌 Sources: IDGA • NSTXL • Army-Technology • Brookings • Lockheed Martin • IFS • Next Big Ten Substack • U.S. defense budget & FY26 NDAA reporting