# AFA Showcases Advanced Defense Technologies

The 2026 Air and Space Forces Association (AFA) Air, Space and Cyber conference held at National Harbor, Maryland, featured demonstrations and exhibits from leading defense contractors including General Atomics, AeroVironment, Northrop Grumman, Marvin Test Solutions, Crystal Group, and Saab. The event highlighted cutting-edge capabilities in unmanned fighter aircraft, missile systems, pilot training solutions, and ruggedized military computing equipment, reflecting ongoing modernization efforts across air, space, and cyber domains. This conference presents multiple procurement opportunities for defense contractors and suppliers aligned with U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) priorities.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on advanced unmanned systems and cyber-hardened technologies as key focus areas for upcoming solicitations.
- The presence of prime contractors signals active competition and potential subcontracting opportunities in modernization programs.
- Organizations can leverage insights from the showcased technologies to align proposals with Air Force modernization goals.
- The Maryland location underscores regional engagement opportunities for contractors near National Harbor and AFRL facilities.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Cybersecurity
**Published:** September 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- Air and Space Forces Association (AFA)
- U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

### Vendors
- General Atomics (prime contractor)
- Marvin Test Solutions (prime contractor)
- AeroVironment (prime contractor)
- Crystal Group (prime contractor)
- Saab (prime contractor)

### Sources
- [The big news out of AFA, plus a guided tour of the show floor - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/09/the-big-news-out-of-afa-plus-a-guided-tour-of-the-show-floor) - Breaking Defense