Making the Trip: AFCEA WEST and Why It Matters for RF Engineering Service Providers

For the past several years, I have made the pilgrimage to San Diego for the WEST show in February. AFCEA, the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, and the Naval Institute sponsor the exhibition—and for professionals in military RF engineering services, it's one of the most valuable events of the year.

I am fortunate to be able to stay with my stepson, Vincent, and his family on Coronado Island, just across the water from the convention center. I take a quick ferry from the island to the convention center, and a few years ago, a helpful staff member showed me the shortcut to get from the back of the convention center to the front entrance. It’s an easy commute, and it makes it an adventure.

Staying with my stepson has another benefit. The first evening of the show, the local chapter of the Tailhook Association hosted a reception with complimentary food and drink. As a retired Navy fighter pilot, and host of the Fighter Pilot Podcast, Vincent was invited, and he brought me along as a guest. It was great to meet other fighter pilots and hear their stories.

The State of Critical Communications in Defense

In addition to the usual major defense contractors showing their latest wares, there was a host of smaller defense-oriented businesses with exhibits as well. I noticed a large number of companies focusing on computer security and CMMC compliance.

The biggest change from the previous year was a dramatic increase in the number of firms offering variations of artificial intelligence (AI) services and platforms. AI is being promoted for applications ranging from logistics to combat, and everything in between, and the military is working on integrating AI into as many systems as possible. Learn more about how the US Navy is utilizing AI to support mission-readiness.

US Coast Guard Communication System Modernization Efforts

Modernization was a hot topic at WEST this year.

The US Coast Guard is slated to undergo massive modernization: the project, Force Design 2028, will modernize communications in the USCG. Integrating digital communications infrastructure and consolidating channels is top of mind. Modernizing dated software infrastructure, leveraging data optimization and, you guessed it, artificial intelligence is key to their strategy.

Investing in modernizing naval fleets sounds like a great idea. But Adm. Daryl Claude, Chief of Naval Operations, brought up a good point in his panel on Feb 11th: fleet-wide modernization takes too long. Down-time isn’t a good thing for mission readiness.

A shiny and new fleet, outfitted with cutting-edge tech, is pie-in-the-sky. Budget constraints don’t allow the US fleets to keep up with rapidly evolving technologies. That’s why RDG offers comprehensive program support. We utilize proven, legacy solutions that keep existing communications hardware mission-ready.

If you didn’t make it to San Diego, you can still check out AFCEA’s official coverage of WEST 2026 to catch up on what’s coming next with defense tech and the US Navy.

A Closer Look at NIWC: Where Military RF Technology Is Headed

The final day of the show had an added attraction.

The Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC Pacific) had an open house at Point Loma. I traveled a half hour from the convention center to see some of the new technologies they are working on.

One display that impressed me was a Boston Dynamics dog that had been modified to track an RF tag. The “dog” was merely a test vehicle to validate the system, which can be used for many more practical applications.

The open house ended with a video presentation, and is worth watching if you want to get a feel for what NIWC is up to.

Engineers at play

I can always count on my peers to have a nerdy streak, including this Lego model of an Arleigh Burke class destroyer. As usual, there were lots of give-away items from bags to flashlights to a variety of branded toys, and at some exhibits, specialty coffee drinks, candy, or pastries.

Custom RF Engineering Services for Defense Contractors

I left San Diego inspired and ready to get back to my desk. At RDG, we’re always looking for innovative ways to apply legacy solutions to today’s complex wireless landscape.

In a constantly evolving field like defense, it can feel like an uphill battle keeping up with tech.

That’s why RDG is proud to offer RF systems and engineering services for government and defense applications:

Complete lifecycle support
DoD Obsolescence Mitigation
Custom Engineering

To learn more about what we do, visit our services page. If Defense isn’t your industry, that’s not a problem. We serve the broadcast and consumer goods sectors too. Consultations are always free, and a real person is just an email away.

Want to be sure you always get our News & Stories? Sign up for our newsletter!

WEST 2026: What the Navy's Biggest Defense Tech Show Tells Us About the Future of Military RF