By Mickey Miller, CEO, Vislink
Last week, I followed Troy Meink’s confirmation hearing for Secretary of the Air Force with great interest. His testimony laid out a clear and compelling vision for the future of defense technology, one that balances urgency with opportunity. As the CEO of Vislink, I see immense potential in the priorities he outlined – not just for the aerospace and defense industries, but for innovation as a whole.
Leading with Unmanned Systems
Dr. Meink’s focus on drones and unmanned systems is a smart, forward-looking strategy. He emphasized their critical role in ensuring the United States stays ahead of near-peer competitors. Drones are not only versatile tools for surveillance and security; they’re also platforms for technological breakthroughs in autonomy, AI, and secure communications. At Vislink, we’ve seen firsthand how advancements in real-time video transmission and data links can unlock new capabilities for unmanned systems, enabling faster decision-making and more effective operations.
Driving Faster Innovation
One of Dr. Meink’s most striking points was his commitment to accelerating innovation within the Air Force. He acknowledged that traditional development cycles are often too slow to keep pace with evolving global threats. This shift toward agility – something we’ve seen play out in real time in Ukraine – is exciting because it creates room for bold ideas to flourish. For companies like Vislink, it’s an opportunity to contribute cutting-edge technologies that can be rapidly integrated into defense systems. As Defense News has highlighted, speed and adaptability are crucial in maintaining technological superiority.
A Collaborative Approach to Procurement
Dr. Meink also spoke about making procurement processes more collaborative and inclusive – a move that could transform how industry and government work together. By expanding the industrial base and encouraging competition, he’s opening doors for innovative companies to bring their expertise to the table. This approach will help ensure that the best technologies are developed efficiently and effectively, while fostering partnerships that drive progress across the defense sector and beyond.
The Road Ahead
We’re inspired by the vision of a more agile and innovative Air Force. Dr. Meink’s model presents exciting opportunities to push boundaries in areas like secure communications for unmanned systems, advanced Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, and beyond. Collaboration between industry and government is key to unlocking breakthroughs that strengthen national security.
I’m optimistic about what lies ahead – not just for the defense industry but for Innovation. With leaders like Dr. Meink championing progress, I believe we’re entering a new era where technology moves faster, partnerships grow stronger, and solutions become smarter. At Vislink, we’re ready to play our part in shaping this future.
