The purpose of the Department of Defense Critical Technologies Plan is to describe 21 technologies considered essential for maintaining the qualitative superiority of U.S weapon systems and to outline an investment strategy to manage and promote the development of these technologies. The Defense Critical Technologies are the leading edge of the DoD Science and Technology program. While all S & T efforts are fundamental to achieving continued improvement in military capabilities, the Defense Critical Technologies represent those technologies that are likely to set the pace of innovation in the development of advanced weapon capabilities and the evolutionary modernization of today's systems. This third annual plan is more comprehensive than earlier editions. A new section has been added to document funding levels for individual Defense Critical Technologies for the relevant S & T Program Elements; moreover, the individual detailed technology plans provide greater detail on specific milestones and technology objectives, as well as a more comprehensive discussion of related private sector and non-DoD government programs. The plans also include assessments of international technology developments and trends.

The DoD has identified the 20 most critical technologies that will be key to improving America's defense capabilities into the 21st century. Led by Senior Dean and Scientific Advisor J.S. Przemieniecki, the Air Force Institute of Technology's team of experts put together this important book for everyone involved in defense research and development. Each of the 20 critical technologies is examined in-depth, including physical and engineering principles. A full description of the technology in its current state of the art and its projected impact on future weapon systems is provided.