PES was proud to participate in the Defense Outlook Summit 2026, a premier forum that brings together defense leaders, policymakers, and industry partners to discuss the strategic direction of the U.S. defense environment for the year ahead.
PES was represented at the summit by Marissa King, CEO, and Kim Thomas, Business Development Director, who attended the event and engaged with industry leaders, government officials, and partner organizations.
This year’s summit featured distinguished speakers, including Congressman Rob Wittman, Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; Frank Kendall III, the 26th Secretary of the U.S. Air Force; and Rear Admiral Chad L. Jacoby, Deputy Commandant for Systems and Chief Acquisition Executive for the U.S. Coast Guard. Each speaker provided valuable insight into evolving Department of Defense priorities and modernization initiatives.
A major topic at the summit was the historic $1 trillion defense budget for FY2026, a record investment that underscores the nation’s commitment to modernization, mission readiness, and addressing emerging threats. Sessions highlighted significant procurement funding across all military branches, with a strong emphasis on advanced platforms, digital capabilities, and next-generation technologies.
The summit also underscored notable shifts in service-specific requirements, including a 200% increase in U.S. Coast Guard funding, signaling substantial new opportunities across the defense ecosystem. PES participated in discussions centered on innovation, joint-service collaboration, and the critical role of industry partnerships in delivering capabilities that meet today’s mission needs and tomorrow’s challenges.
PES looks forward to applying the insights gained at this year’s summit to better support our customers and drive continued growth throughout 2026.