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FY26 NDAA Highlights Cybersecurity

The Pentagon is set to continue modernization efforts with a focus on cybersecurity.

FY26 NDAA outlines cybersecurity efforts. Adobe Stock image by swillklitch

On December 18, President Donald Trump signed into law the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA), supporting $900.6 billion in funding. While outlining key focus areas such as acquisition reform and a modernized battlefield—with emphasis on strategic geographical regions—the bill outlines further cybersecurity initiatives.

According to the FY2026 Department of Defense Cyber Budget Request, $15.1 billion was requested for cyberspace activities, a 4.1% increase from last year.

Of the highlighted cybersecurity mandates, the NDAA requires increased pay for cyber-excepted service positions. Additionally, the service chief information officers and the chief information officer for the military must establish an “expedited review process for software and hardware products seeking an authority to operate.”

The bill also focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning operations and research initiatives.

FY26 NDAA “speeds up development and improves access to AI models through the establishment of a cross-functional team for AI model management, oversight and assessment,” the report reads.

An AI Futures Steering Committee is also to be established for AI trajectory and development analyses to develop adoption strategies at the Pentagon.

Regarding cyber operations, the NDAA “directs the Secretary of Defense to complete a study on the optical use of the full spectrum of military operations to increase the costs for our adversaries for conducting such attacks.”

The report also mentions work within the CYBERCOM 2.0 initiative and the Cyber Mission Force.

"Ultimately, our servicemembers must have the resources they need to carry out their duties successfully, and the American people deserve operational efficiency from their government," a U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services FY26 NDAA report reads. “Both are achievable.”