Dan Patt

Senior Fellow, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology

National Security and Defense Defense Strategy
dan_patt

At A Glance:

Dan Patt is a senior fellow with Hudson Institute’s Center for Defense Concepts and Technology. His work at Hudson focuses on the role of information and innovation in national security.

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Biography

Dan Patt is a senior fellow with Hudson Institute’s Center for Defense Concepts and Technology. His experience is at the intersection of technology, business, and national security strategy. His work at Hudson focuses on the role of information and innovation in national security.

Dr. Patt supports strategy at national security technology provider STR and supports Thomas H. Lee Partners’ automation and technology investment practice. He has more than 20 years of experience operationalizing emerging technology, including applied artificial intelligence, networked information systems, robotics, supply chain automation, and enterprise information technology. He holds advisory board roles at the University of Michigan College of Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Andrew W. Marshall Foundation.

Previously, Dr. Patt cofounded and was CEO of Vecna Robotics, a commercial venture-backed warehouse robotics and workflow orchestration company. Dr. Patt also served as deputy director for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)’s Strategic Technology Office (STO), where he managed a portfolio of technology investments including command and control; decision aids; communications and networking; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and electronic warfare. He also launched the Mosaic Warfare initiative at DARPA. In 2017, Dr. Patt supported the deputy secretary of defense in leading an effort to define a new modernization initiative for the Department of Defense as part of the 2018 National Defense Strategy effort.

Dr. Patt previously held technical and leadership positions in the automotive and aerospace industries focusing on emerging technology, including robotic and uncrewed systems, process automation, and human-machine integration. His contributions to technology, national security, and business have been recognized with more than a dozen career honors and awards.

Dr. Patt received his BA, MS, and PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan.

Events
Back to Dan Patt
29
October 2024
Past Event
Advancing Joint Experimentation to Solve Operational Problems
Featured Speakers:
Dan Patt
Thomas Browning
Bob Stephenson
Bryan Clark
Arun Seraphin
US Army Staff Sgt. Stetson Manuel carries the Ghost-X Unmanned Aircraft System on March 11, 2024, at Fort Irwin, California. (DVIDS)
29
October 2024
Past Event
Advancing Joint Experimentation to Solve Operational Problems

Join the National Defense Industrial Association’s Emerging Technology Institute and Hudson’s Center for Defense Concepts and Technology for a symposium exploring the future of joint experimentation for new technology-enabled operational concepts.

US Army Staff Sgt. Stetson Manuel carries the Ghost-X Unmanned Aircraft System on March 11, 2024, at Fort Irwin, California. (DVIDS)
Featured Speakers:
Dan Patt
Thomas Browning
Bob Stephenson
Bryan Clark
Arun Seraphin
Learn More
12
June 2024
Past Event
The New Iron Triangle: Achieving Adaptability and Scale in Defense Acquisition
Featured Speakers:
Rob Wittman
Aditi Kumar
Lt. Gen. Robert M. Collins
Mitch Skiles
Andy Green
Joe Laurenti
Michael Brasseur
Michael Hiatt
Josh Martin
Moderators:
Nadia Schadlow
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew Hill, a motor transport operator assigned to Combat logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, fastens the propeller arms on a Tactical Resupply Vehicle 150 (TRV) unmanned aircraft system during test flight operations in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 6, 2024.  (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Salazar)
12
June 2024
Past Event
The New Iron Triangle: Achieving Adaptability and Scale in Defense Acquisition

Join Hudson for a three-part event discussing the challenges and opportunities facing Western militaries and defense industries as they attempt to achieve relevant capability at scale.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew Hill, a motor transport operator assigned to Combat logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, fastens the propeller arms on a Tactical Resupply Vehicle 150 (TRV) unmanned aircraft system during test flight operations in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 6, 2024.  (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Salazar)
Featured Speakers:
Rob Wittman
Aditi Kumar
Lt. Gen. Robert M. Collins
Mitch Skiles
Andy Green
Joe Laurenti
Michael Brasseur
Michael Hiatt
Josh Martin
Moderators:
Nadia Schadlow
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
Learn More
15
May 2024
Past Event
Flipping the Cube: Transforming the Defense Budget Structure
Featured Speakers:
Jamie Morin
David Norquist
Dan Patt
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team performs a practice airshow performance at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Jan. 11, 2023. The F-35 Demo Team performs rehearsal flights regularly to maintain flying certifications and to uphold and maintain their mission and Air Force recruiting standards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kaitlyn Ergish)
15
May 2024
Past Event
Flipping the Cube: Transforming the Defense Budget Structure

Join Hudson Senior Fellows Bryan Clark and Dan Patt for a discussion on restructuring the defense budget with two commissioners who shaped PPBE reform proposal.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team performs a practice airshow performance at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Jan. 11, 2023. The F-35 Demo Team performs rehearsal flights regularly to maintain flying certifications and to uphold and maintain their mission and Air Force recruiting standards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kaitlyn Ergish)
Featured Speakers:
Jamie Morin
David Norquist
Dan Patt
Learn More
26
March 2024
Past Event
Integrating Uncrewed Systems to Hedge against Aggression
Featured Speakers:
David Alexander
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
A US Marine Corps MQ-9A taxis the flight line on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, on June 20, 2023. (US Marine Corps photo)
26
March 2024
Past Event
Integrating Uncrewed Systems to Hedge against Aggression

Join Hudson Institute Senior Fellows Bryan Clark and Dan Patt for a discussion with David Alexander, president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.

A US Marine Corps MQ-9A taxis the flight line on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, on June 20, 2023. (US Marine Corps photo)
Featured Speakers:
David Alexander
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
Learn More
01
February 2024
Past Event
Raising AUKUS Pillar Two: Integrating Autonomous Systems into the ADF
Featured Speakers:
Professor Emily Hilder
Brigadier James Davis
Captain Adam Allicia
Air Commodore Ross Bender
Dan Patt
Bryan Clark
A MARTAC MANTAS T12 uncrewed surface vessel during a speed and handling demonstration during Exercise Autonomous Warrior 2022 in the waters of Jervis Bay Territory. (Australian Government Department of Defence)
01
February 2024
Past Event
Raising AUKUS Pillar Two: Integrating Autonomous Systems into the ADF
A MARTAC MANTAS T12 uncrewed surface vessel during a speed and handling demonstration during Exercise Autonomous Warrior 2022 in the waters of Jervis Bay Territory. (Australian Government Department of Defence)
Featured Speakers:
Professor Emily Hilder
Brigadier James Davis
Captain Adam Allicia
Air Commodore Ross Bender
Dan Patt
Bryan Clark
Learn More
25
January 2024
Past Event
Defense Disruptors: A Conversation with General Christopher Mahoney
Featured Speakers:
General Christopher Mahoney
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
(Defense Disruptors logo)
25
January 2024
Past Event
Defense Disruptors: A Conversation with General Christopher Mahoney
(Defense Disruptors logo)
Featured Speakers:
General Christopher Mahoney
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
Learn More
08
September 2023
Past Event
Gaining Ground in the Pacific: The US Army’s Role in Campaigning to Deter China
Featured Speakers:
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
Charles A. Flynn
Joint Pacific Forces conduct Air Assault training during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) rotation at Townsville Field Training Area (TFTA), Townsville, Australia, August 1, 2023. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Mariah Aguilar)
08
September 2023
Past Event
Gaining Ground in the Pacific: The US Army’s Role in Campaigning to Deter China

Join Senior Fellows Bryan Clark and Dan Patt for a discussion with General Charles A. Flynn, commanding general of the US Army, Pacific, about how long-term campaigning can help the US compete with and deter China.

Joint Pacific Forces conduct Air Assault training during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) rotation at Townsville Field Training Area (TFTA), Townsville, Australia, August 1, 2023. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Mariah Aguilar)
Featured Speakers:
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
Charles A. Flynn
Learn More
07
August 2023
Past Event
A Requiem for Dominance: New US Strategies to Deter Aggression
Featured Speakers:
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
Ezra Cohen
Rear Admiral Mike Studeman (USN)
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07
August 2023
Past Event
A Requiem for Dominance: New US Strategies to Deter Aggression
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Featured Speakers:
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
Ezra Cohen
Rear Admiral Mike Studeman (USN)
Learn More
20
July 2023
Past Event
Sharpening the Air Force’s Cyber and Spectrum Edge
Featured Speakers:
Lt. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr.
Lt. Gen. Leah G. Lauderback
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
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20
July 2023
Past Event
Sharpening the Air Force’s Cyber and Spectrum Edge

Join Hudson Senior Fellows Bryan Clark and Dan Patt for a discussion on the US Air Force’s plans to improve its cyberspace and spectrum superiority with Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs Lt. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr. and Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Cyber Effects Operations Lt. Gen. Leah G. Lauderback of the US Air Force.

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Featured Speakers:
Lt. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr.
Lt. Gen. Leah G. Lauderback
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
Learn More
26
January 2023
Past Event
Software Defines Tactics: Fielding Transformational Capability without Transforming Acquisition
Featured Speakers:
Jason Weiss
James Geurts
Dan Patt
Bryan Clark
Software Defines Tactics
26
January 2023
Past Event
Software Defines Tactics: Fielding Transformational Capability without Transforming Acquisition

A decade ago venture capitalist Marc Andreessen argued that software was eating the world. Please join Hudson Institute and DoD experts for a discussion on how the US military is wrestling with that reality. 

Software Defines Tactics
Featured Speakers:
Jason Weiss
James Geurts
Dan Patt
Bryan Clark
Learn More
22
November 2022
Past Event
Exploiting Commercial Innovation to Regain Military Advantage: A Conversation with Congressman Seth Moulton
Featured Speakers:
Representative Seth Moulton
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
F35
22
November 2022
Past Event
Exploiting Commercial Innovation to Regain Military Advantage: A Conversation with Congressman Seth Moulton

Please join Hudson Senior Fellows Bryan Clark and Dan Patt for a conversation with Representative Seth Moulton regarding the challenges and opportunities facing the US Department of Defense.

F35
Featured Speakers:
Representative Seth Moulton
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
Learn More
13
October 2022
Past Event
Virtual Event | Exploiting a Hidden Window of Opportunity to Deter a Conflict over Taiwan
Featured Speakers:
Dan Patt
Michael Brown
Michele Flournoy
taiwan taipei beijing china helicopter
13
October 2022
Past Event
Virtual Event | Exploiting a Hidden Window of Opportunity to Deter a Conflict over Taiwan

While the 2018 National Defense Strategy and the updated 2022 National Defense Strategy emphasize the urgent need to deter a conflict in the Pacific, most plans involve shoring up military capacity immediately or waiting for new, modernized weapons.

taiwan taipei beijing china helicopter
Featured Speakers:
Dan Patt
Michael Brown
Michele Flournoy
Learn More
07
October 2022
Past Event
Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology
Featured Speakers:
Bryan Clark
Chris Miller
Dan Patt
An employee works on the production line of LED epitaxial wafer on March 25, 2022, in Jiangsu Province, China. (Zhao Qirui/VCG via Getty Images)
07
October 2022
Past Event
Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology

With more than half of all semiconductors and nearly all high-end chips coming from Taiwan or South Korea, disruptions are likely and can have devastating economic consequences.

An employee works on the production line of LED epitaxial wafer on March 25, 2022, in Jiangsu Province, China. (Zhao Qirui/VCG via Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Bryan Clark
Chris Miller
Dan Patt
Learn More
21
September 2022
Past Event
Gaining Decision Advantage: Modernizing Air Force Command and Control for Deterrence and Combat
Featured Speakers:
Brigadier General Jeffrey Valenzia
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
US Air Force Capt. Ross Kohler closes the canopy of an F-15 before take-off during Exercise Pitch Black 2022 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, on August 24, 2022. (US Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Savannah L. Waters)
21
September 2022
Past Event
Gaining Decision Advantage: Modernizing Air Force Command and Control for Deterrence and Combat

The US military faces an adversary in China with the geographic, technological, and industrial strength to meet and potentially exceed the capability

US Air Force Capt. Ross Kohler closes the canopy of an F-15 before take-off during Exercise Pitch Black 2022 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, on August 24, 2022. (US Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Savannah L. Waters)
Featured Speakers:
Brigadier General Jeffrey Valenzia
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
Learn More
22
June 2022
Past Event
Defense Disruptors Series: General CQ Brown and the Future of the US Air Force
Featured Speakers:
Gen Charles Q. Brown, USAF
Dan Patt
Bryan Clark
22
June 2022
Past Event
Defense Disruptors Series: General CQ Brown and the Future of the US Air Force

This event will premiere on this page at 10:30 a.m. EDT, Wednesday, June 22. Register for the event here.

Featured Speakers:
Gen Charles Q. Brown, USAF
Dan Patt
Bryan Clark
Learn More
16
February 2022
Past Event
Virtual Event | Is the American Military Fading into Irrelevance?
Featured Speakers:
Major General Arnold L. Punaro, USMC (Ret.)
Dan Patt
Bryan Clark
Members of the U.S. Army 173rd Airborne Brigade disembark upon their arrival by plane at a Polish air force base on April 23, 2014, in Swidwin, Poland. (Getty Images)
16
February 2022
Past Event
Virtual Event | Is the American Military Fading into Irrelevance?

This event will premiere on this page at 12:00 p.m. EST, Wednesday, February 16. Register for the event here.

Members of the U.S. Army 173rd Airborne Brigade disembark upon their arrival by plane at a Polish air force base on April 23, 2014, in Swidwin, Poland. (Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Major General Arnold L. Punaro, USMC (Ret.)
Dan Patt
Bryan Clark
Learn More
15
November 2021
Past Event
Virtual Event | Preventing the Next Supply Chain Disruption
Featured Speakers:
Dennis Hodgkins
Jennifer Bisceglie
Lieutenant General Duane A. Gamble
Dan Patt
Bryan Clark
15
November 2021
Past Event
Virtual Event | Preventing the Next Supply Chain Disruption

Please be advised: This event will premiere on this page at 12:00 p.m. EDT, Monday, November 15. Register for the event here.

Featured Speakers:
Dennis Hodgkins
Jennifer Bisceglie
Lieutenant General Duane A. Gamble
Dan Patt
Bryan Clark
Learn More
28
May 2021
Past Event
Virtual Event | A Conversation with Acting Army Secretary John E. Whitley
Featured Speakers:
Hon. John E. Whitley
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
28
May 2021
Past Event
Virtual Event | A Conversation with Acting Army Secretary John E. Whitley

Join Hudson Institute Center for Defense Concepts and Technology Director Bryan Clark and Adjunct Fellow Dan Patt for a conversation with Acting Army

Featured Speakers:
Hon. John E. Whitley
Bryan Clark
Dan Patt
Learn More
30
October 2020
Past Event
Video Event | Rising to the Challenge: Regaining US Military Superiority During a Time of Uncertainty
Featured Speakers:
Bryan Clark
Rep. Jim Banks
Rep. Seth Moulton
Dan Patt
30
October 2020
Past Event
Video Event | Rising to the Challenge: Regaining US Military Superiority During a Time of Uncertainty

Join Hudson Institute for a conversation with Rep. Jim Banks and Rep. Seth Moulton on the recently released results from the Congressional Future of D

Featured Speakers:
Bryan Clark
Rep. Jim Banks
Rep. Seth Moulton
Dan Patt
Learn More
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(Getty Images)
US Marine Corps Sgt. Vincent Tran, a transmissions systems operator, prepares to launch an RQ-20B Puma small uncrewed aerial system during Keris Marine Exercise 2023 at Piabung Training Area in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia, on November 30, 2023. (US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Dean Gurule)
Integrated by Mission—Federated for Execution
bryan_clark
bryan_clark
Bryan Clark
Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology
dan_patt
dan_patt
Dan Patt
Senior Fellow, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology
Dr. Arun Seraphin
Dr. Arun Seraphin
Arun Seraphin
Executive Director, Emerging Technologies Institute, National Defense Industrial Association
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Wilson Miles
Associate Research Fellow at the Emerging Technologies Institute, NDIA
Bryan Clark, Dan Patt, Arun Seraphin & Wilson Miles
Reports
5 Min Read
2023年4月21日、ノース・カロライナ州キャンプ・レジューンにてテクノロジー作戦実験イベント23.1 中に海上に墜落した無人表面機「エイミー」を回収する米国海兵隊員（米国海兵隊提供）
2023年4月21日、ノース・カロライナ州キャンプ・レジューンにてテクノロジー作戦実験イベント23.1 中に海上に墜落した無人表面機「エイミー」を回収する米国海兵隊員（米国海兵隊提供）
ヘッジング：軍事力の再考支配後の時代への設計
bryan_clark
bryan_clark
Bryan Clark
Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology
dan_patt
dan_patt
Dan Patt
Senior Fellow, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology
Bryan Clark & Dan Patt
Reports
1 Min Read
Uncrewed aerial vehicles equipped with specialized software and sensors fly during the Technical Concept Experiment (TCE) 23.2, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California on January 19, 2024. (US Navy photo by Michael Walls)
Uncrewed aerial vehicles equipped with specialized software and sensors fly during the Technical Concept Experiment 23.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California on January 19, 2024. (US Navy photo by Michael Walls)
Use “Hedge Forces” to Break the Pentagon’s Force-Structure Death Spiral
dan_patt
dan_patt
Dan Patt
Senior Fellow, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology
bryan_clark
bryan_clark
Bryan Clark
Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology
Dan Patt & Bryan Clark
Commentary
4 Min Read
South Korean military drones fly in formation during a South Korea–US joint military drill at Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon, South Korea, on May 25, 2023. (Yelim LEE / AFP via Getty Images)
South Korean military drones fly in formation during a South Korea–US joint military drill at Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon, South Korea, on May 25, 2023. (Yelim LEE / AFP via Getty Images)
CJADC2 Needs a Hedge to Succeed
dan_patt
dan_patt
Dan Patt
Senior Fellow, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology
bryan_clark
bryan_clark
Bryan Clark
Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology
Dan Patt & Bryan Clark
Commentary
4 Min Read
A 38-foot Steber uncrewed surface vehicle that can be used for mine-sweeping operations during a testing and evaluation event by the Royal Australian Maritime Warfare Centre and Thales in conjunction with Maritime Deployable Robotic and Autonomous Systems Experimentation Unit in Sydney on March 1, 2023. (Royal Australian Navy)
A 38-foot Steber uncrewed surface vehicle that can be used for mine-sweeping operations during a testing and evaluation event by the Royal Australian Maritime Warfare Centre and Thales in conjunction with Maritime Deployable Robotic and Autonomous Systems Experimentation Unit in Sydney on March 1, 2023. (Royal Australian Navy)
Raising AUKUS’s Second Pillar: Integrating Uncrewed and Other Emerging Technologies into the Australian Defence Forces
bryan_clark
bryan_clark
Bryan Clark
Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology
dan_patt
dan_patt
Dan Patt
Senior Fellow, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology
Bryan Clark & Dan Patt
Reports
8 Min Read