The Innovation Arm of the Department of the Air Force
AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), connects American Ingenuity with the DAF’s most pressing challenges. We cultivate and transition impactful emerging technologies to deter and win wars by empowering Airmen and Guardian talent and expanding the defense industrial base for advanced technologies.
Our Core Mission
Mission
AFWERX accelerates agile and affordable capability transitions by teaming leaders in innovative technology with Airmen and Guardian talent.
Vision
Forge an innovation ecosystem that delivers disruptive Air and Space capabilities.
Mantra
Unleashing American Ingenuity
How We Operate
The AFWERX team operates three core divisions to drive innovation.
Our Leadership
Colonel Nathan C. Stuckey
Colonel Nathan C. Stuckey is the Director of AFWERX and the Chief Commercialization Officer for the Department of the Air Force. He leads the strategy and execution of approximately $1.4 billion annually to strengthen the defense industrial base, expand access to nontraditional vendors and accelerate operational capability across the United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Space Force (USSF).
In fiscal year 2025, innovation efforts accelerated technology transition and defense partnerships, supercharging the industrial base that supports U.S. military readiness and battlefield advantage.
Department of the Air Force Innovation Results
- Awarded 1,049 contracts totaling $1.4 billion
- Achieved 438 Phase III transitions, valued at $8.1 billion
- Maintained a 35% transition rate to DAF customer funding
SpaceWERX Results
- Awarded more than 300 contracts totaling $510 million
- Expanded partnerships across the defense and commercial space sectors
News & Success Stories
VENOM program progresses to piloted flights, autonomy tests
AFWERX innovation transitions from fighter cockpits to NASA spaceflight
AFRL welcomes new commander during change of command ceremony
