FY2026 NDAA, Section 347 ("Integration of commercially available artificial intelligence capabilities into logistics operations")

Summary

Facilitates the integration of commercially available AI capabilities into logistics operations of the Department of Defense (DoD) during fiscal year 2026 exercises.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to identify and choose AI products designed for logistics that comply with DoD data security protocols.

Ensures the selected AI products can adapt to software changes rapidly and prioritizes products from small or nontraditional firms.

Expedites approvals for secure data use and ensures compliance with DoD cybersecurity policies for these exercises.

Mandates an interim briefing by March 1, 2026, detailing the exercises, participating commanders, AI capabilities used, timelines, resource needs, and assessment metrics.

Requires a post-exercise briefing by the commander on the integration, effectiveness, and recommendations for further AI development in DoD operations.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to integrate commercial AI capabilities for logistics in 2026 exercises.

SEC. 347. INTEGRATION OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CAPABILITIES INTO LOGISTICS OPERATIONS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall facilitate the integration of currently available and suitable commercial artificial intelligence capabilities specifically designed to assist with logistics tracking, planning, operations, and analytics into two relevant and suitable exercises of the Department of Defense to be conducted during fiscal year 2026.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to identify AI products addressing logistics with specified security and adaptability.

(b) Commercial Product.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the commander of the combatant command or commands overseeing the exercises selected under subsection (a), shall identify for each such exercise a commercially available artificial intelligence product that is specifically designed to address logistics needs of the Department of Defense and meets the critical data security protocols outlined in subsection (c). (2) Capability of partner.--In selecting a commercial product under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense and the commander of the combatant command or commands concerned shall-- (A) ensure that the commercial product acquired for such an exercise includes the provision of capability to respond to potential software changes in an agile and rapid manner to ensure seamless integration and adaptability during the exercise; and (B) prioritize the consideration of a product provided by a small or nontraditional software focused firm.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to expedite approvals for secure data use by commercial AI providers, including compliance with applicable cybersecurity policies and verification of measures.

(c) Data Security.--The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all necessary approvals are expedited to facilitate the secure use of data of the Department of Defense by commercial artificial intelligence providers during the exercises selected under subsection (a), including-- (1) compliance with applicable cybersecurity policies and regulations of the Department; and (2) verification of measures to protect classified and sensitive information.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to brief Congress on AI capabilities integrated into military exercises.

(d) Interim Briefing.--Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an interim briefing that includes-- (1) identification of the specific exercises selected under subsection (a), including an identification of the combatant commanders participating in each such exercise and a point of contact within the combatant command responsible; (2) identification of the specific commercial artificial intelligence capabilities integrated into the exercises, including the contractual mean or other agreement used to facilitate the use of such capabilities; (3) notional timelines and resource needs for each exercise; and (4) metrics to be used to assess the efficacy of such tools used in each exercise.

Requires combatant command commander to brief Congress on commercial AI integration, effects, and future recommendations.

(e) Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after the conclusion of an exercise selected under subsection (a), the commander of the combatant command overseeing the exercise shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes the following: (1) An overview of the integration and use of commercial artificial intelligence capabilities during the exercise. (2) An assessment of the effect of such technologies on unit readiness and operational success. (3) Recommendations for further integration or development of artificial intelligence capabilities in future exercises and operations of the Department of Defense.