High-tech biz for future AF bases

WASHINGTON - The Air Force was to kick off a unique virtual AFWERX Fusion conference July 28-30 about better ways to build and operate military bases globally and looking to improve everything from family support, functionality during pandemics, and resilience against attack. The central focus of the event will be pitches from 370 companies, many startups, to show off technology such as artificial intelligence, 5G networks, and 3D printing related to base operations. It’s not just home bases in the U.S., but safeguarding supply lines to expeditionary outposts. The Pentagon has made “logistics under attack” one of its key priorities. The Air Force is requesting $3B in FY 2021 to fund various efforts. The initial plan is to choose firms for contracts to rebuild Tyndall AFB, Fla., wrecked by Hurricane Michael in October 2018. But the service is convinced that the technologies and services showcased at the event also will lead to future upgrades, not just at other Air Force bases, but those of the other services as well. AFWERX Fusion is the annual flagship event put on by the service’s AFWERX innovation hub, each tailored to solve a set of Air Force needs. (Source: Breaking Defense 07/27/20) https://breakingdefense.com/2020/07/air-force-seeks-startups-to-build-high-tech-bases-of-the-future/