Jul 2, 2025 - Technology

Red 6 CEO: Future war hinges on software-defined hardware

Colin Demarest

Photo illustration of Daniel Robinson next to abstract shapes representing jet flight and a masked photo of a pilot. — Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photo: Red 6

The future of defense will prominently feature "software-defined systems that are flexible, agile and customizable," Daniel Robinson, the chief executive at Red 6, told Axios in an interview.

His company specializes in airborne augmented reality, aimed at overhauling military training and rehearsal.

Why he matters: Robinson is an F-22 and Tornado pilot turned defense-tech executive.

Q: When will wars be waged solely by robots?

A: In the movies.

Q: What's the biggest challenge the defense industry faces at the moment? What can be done to alleviate it?

A: Training is an existential crisis for the defense industry, and the adoption of next-generation technologies, such as the Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System, will fundamentally transform how we train.

Q: What region of the world should we be watching? Why?

A: The South China Sea.

The Chinese Communist Party has a stated geopolitical intent; they've not made it a secret to anyone. We are faced, for the first time in a long time, with a genuine peer adversary.

Q: How many emails do you get a day, and how do you deal with them?

A: I try not to deal with emails at all. That's why I have a chief of staff. I do all of my work over text message.

Q: What's your secret to a successful overnight flight?

A: Bourbon.

Q: What advice would you give your younger self?

A: Don't hide your light under a bushel.

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Red 6 CEO: Future war hinges on software-defined hardware

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