V2X secures position on $25 billion Pentagon engineering, microelectronics and AI modernization program

News, US February 21, 2026 , by IRIA Comments Off

5 minute read

American defense-tech firm V2X has secured a position on the Advanced Technology Support Program 5 (ATSP5), a $25 billion multiple-award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract vehicle administered by the Pentagon.

The program aims to advance defense modernization through engineering development, microelectronics supply assurance, and the integration of AI-enabled capabilities across legacy and next-generation systems.

ATSP5 is managed by the Defense Microelectronics Activity under the Office of the Secretary of Defense and is considered one of the Department of Defense’s most comprehensive engineering development and technology transition initiatives.

The program provides a contracting vehicle through which federal and state agencies can issue task orders for a wide spectrum of technical and engineering services.

The initiative is expected to play a central role in advancing defense technology development and transition efforts in the coming years, particularly as the Pentagon prioritizes resilience, digital transformation, and rapid capability deployment in response to evolving global threats.

Comprehensive Engineering and Lifecycle Support

Under ATSP5, contractors such as V2X will compete for task orders spanning system studies, design and prototyping, integration, testing, and limited production. The scope also includes full lifecycle technology support for embedded systems, network-centric warfare capabilities, large-scale system integrations, and standalone platforms.

The program is structured to help the Department of Defense modernize aging systems while overcoming persistent obsolescence challenges in microelectronics and embedded technologies.

*^{V2X’s booth at the AUSA expo. (Image Credit: V2X/via X)}*

As supply chains tighten and legacy components become increasingly difficult to source, microelectronics assurance and lifecycle extension have become central to maintaining readiness across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.

ATSP5 also emphasizes digital prototyping, automated testing, performance optimization, and intelligent integration, areas that support faster acquisition cycles and reduced development timelines. These capabilities align with the Pentagon’s broader push for rapid acquisition and streamlined technology transition from laboratory to field deployment.

AI Integration and Multi-Domain Operations

A defining feature of ATSP5 is its focus on integrating advanced computing and AI-driven tools into defense systems. The program creates pathways for incorporating AI-optimized systems, autonomous technologies, and large-scale AI orchestration into both legacy and next-generation platforms.

V2X said its participation will support defense priorities such as rapid acquisition, systems engineering excellence, microelectronics supply assurance, and intelligent application of advanced technologies. The company’s role positions it among a group of contractors expected to help the Pentagon upgrade critical systems while embedding AI-powered performance enhancements across multiple operational domains.

By deploying intelligent agents and advanced computing architectures, ATSP5 participants are expected to modernize government systems in ways that anticipate and adapt to emerging threats, including both traditional and asymmetric challenges.

The emphasis on network-centric warfare systems and large-scale integrations reflects the Department of Defense’s continued focus on interconnected, multi-domain operational concepts.

*^{U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (FCC)/U.S. TENTH Fleet operational force. (Image Credit: U.S. Navy/Petty Officer 1st Class Samuel S)}*

Strategic Modernization Initiative

The Advanced Technology Support Program 5 represents a significant step in the Department of Defense’s long-term modernization strategy. As one of the most expansive engineering development contracting vehicles under the Pentagon’s oversight, ATSP5 enables streamlined access to industry expertise for mission-critical solutions.

The contract structure allows agencies to rapidly issue task orders without initiating separate procurement processes for each requirement, thereby accelerating project timelines. This flexibility is designed to enhance responsiveness to technological advances and operational needs.

V2X described its selection as a milestone that reinforces its position in transformative engineering and modernization efforts. The company highlighted its decades of experience in solving complex engineering challenges through scalable and tailored solutions aligned with defense priorities.

“Winning a position on the ATSP5 enables V2X as a leader in transformative engineering solutions,” said Jeremy C. Wensinger, President and Chief Executive Officer of V2X. “Our selection places us at the forefront of defense modernization, allowing us to deliver advanced capabilities that don’t simply respond to threats and system obsolescence, but anticipate and evolve with them.

From AI-powered performance enhancement and autonomous system integration, we are redefining what operational resilience looks like in multi-domain operations. We are honored to contribute to the future of our nation’s warfighter operational superiority.”

*^{Conceptual battlefield scenario enabled by V2X. (Image Credit: V2X)}*

ATSP5 program

The central objective of ATSP5 is to overcome the growing challenge of technological obsolescence within the defense ecosystem. Many legacy systems remain operationally vital but require updated computing architectures, secure microelectronics, and AI-enabled enhancements to remain viable in contested environments.

Through engineering development, integration, and lifecycle support activities, ATSP5 contractors will help extend the operational lifespan of aging equipment while incorporating next-generation technologies. This includes modernizing embedded systems, strengthening network-centric warfare frameworks, and improving performance optimization across platforms.

V2X emphasized that its contributions under ATSP5 will reflect high standards of technical performance, security, and sustainability. The company stated that its participation underscores a commitment to advancing technology-first solutions for critical challenges faced by the warfighter.

By focusing on microelectronics assurance, automated testing, intelligent integration, and AI-enabled performance optimization, the program aims to deliver both readiness and long-term technological overmatch. The integration of autonomous systems and large-scale AI orchestration is expected to enhance decision-making speed, operational resilience, and cross-domain coordination.

As ATSP5 moves forward, it is set to become a key mechanism for transitioning advanced technologies into operational use, supporting the Department of Defense’s broader modernization agenda and ensuring that U.S. forces maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly complex threat environment.