Air Force announces partnership to push emerging tech

The Air Force Academy wants to be just as innovative as the private sector so it’s teaming up with telecom giant AT&T.

AT&T announced a five-year cooperative research and development agreement with the Academy June 7, which will focus on cybersecurity, the internet of things, Smart Base solutions, 5G, and software-defined networking, among other emerging technologies.

The Air Force Academy’s director for CyberWorx, Lt. Col. Michael Chiaramonte, said in a statement that using the telecom company’s resources could "improve our understanding and use of technology” and “advance our academic and research objectives."

The partnership would provide Academy cadets with hands-on demonstrations and experience beyond the classroom. It would also fit under the AFA’s larger research mission, which includes 19 centers and two institutes as part of their research program.

AT&T Public Sector’s client executive VP Rocky Thurston described the partnership via statement as being "an action-oriented academic ‘think tank’" that will help pinpoint the Air Force's current and future needs.