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AFA Launches 'Ones to Watch' Innovation Recognition Program

The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) has officially launched its annual recognition initiative known as 'Ones to Watch.' This innovative program aims to highlight and celebrate small and mid-sized enterprises contributing groundbreaking advancements that are poised to influence the future of airpower, spacepower, and national defense.

In today's rapidly evolving defense landscape, maintaining an edge in air and space capabilities is crucial. As Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, stated, "At a time when speed, adaptability, and resilience are essential to maintaining America's air and space advantage, many of the most important breakthroughs are coming from smaller, highly innovative companies." The goal of 'Ones to Watch' is to elevate such companies that are already demonstrating significant progress and relevance to ongoing military needs.

'Ones to Watch' is structured as a competitive recognition program, inviting eligible companies to apply through a formal process. The submissions will be assessed using a detailed scoring framework, ensuring a transparent and fair selection of candidates. Final decisions on the honorees will be made by experts from the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, renowned for their dedication to aerospace research and analysis.

Receiving recognition as part of 'Ones to Watch' offers numerous advantages to selected companies. They will benefit from year-round visibility across various AFA communication platforms, including features in the esteemed Air & Space Forces Magazine. Furthermore, honorees will be recognized at key events such as the Warfare Symposium and the Air, Space & Cyber Conference, propelling them into the spotlight of industry leaders and government stakeholders.

As the AFA gears up to celebrate its 80th anniversary, the 'Ones to Watch' program epitomizes the association's commitment to supporting and amplifying the contributions of emerging innovators within the air and space sectors. The association recognizes that fostering collaboration with these small firms is essential as they often lead the charge in generating innovative solutions to complex defense challenges.

Applications for the 'Ones to Watch' program are currently open, allowing interested companies to submit their entries without any associated costs. The AFA encourages innovators who are driving significant changes within the aerospace and defense fields to get involved. For more information on how to apply, interested parties can visit the official AFA website at www.AFA.org/Ones-to-Watch.

About AFA

Established in 1946, the Air & Space Forces Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, and their personnel and families. It is distinguished as the single largest entity focused on promoting air and space power and boasts a membership exceeding 130,000 individuals across more than 200 chapters worldwide. AFA's mission is to maintain a dominant U.S. Air Force and Space Force as a foundation for robust national defense, honor the service members in these branches, and uphold the rich heritage of air and space capabilities.

Incorporating the 'Ones to Watch' program aligns perfectly with AFA's broader mission of fostering innovation and excellence within the defense community, showcasing the vital role of smaller companies in shaping the future of air and space capabilities.