Pat Host
Henry Choi has spent 30 years in the government services national security sector helping leading GovCons win business, expand technical leadership and invest in cutting-edge emerging technologies such as cyber and electronic warfare, space, airborne and C4ISR. With previous stops at leading defense contractors CACI and Northrop Grumman, Choi is now the vice president of business development for cyber, electronic warfare and space at HII Mission Technologies, helping the company remain at the forefront of developing the scalable, sustainable and responsive solutions required for success in modern warfare.
Choi sat down with GovCon Wire twice in 2024, talking about explosive growth in the AI market and how information superiority and cyberwarfare have become decisive advantages in current warfare. Choi is back with another Executive Spotlight, sharing his perspective on trends in government contracting, new capabilities or markets he’s eying, his outlook on the global defense landscape and the latest in HII Mission Technologies has been up to in space.
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ExecutiveBiz: What are some trends you have noticed in government contracting so far in 2025?
Choi: DOD is undergoing a significant transformation in its contracting landscape, driven by technological advancements, policy reforms and evolving strategic priorities. In 2025, the department continues to expand the use of alternative procurement pathways, particularly other transaction authority and commercial solutions openings, to accelerate the acquisition of cutting-edge technologies.
In addition, DOD is integrating emerging technologies—such as AI, blockchain, cloud computing and predictive analytics—into its procurement and contract management processes. These tools are enhancing transparency, reducing fraud risks and driving greater efficiency across the acquisition lifecycle.
This shift toward agile, innovation-focused acquisition models underscores the department’s commitment to maintaining a technological edge over near-peer competitors. For aerospace and defense companies, success in this rapidly evolving environment will depend on their ability to adapt quickly, embrace dual-use technologies and align closely with DOD’s modernization objectives.
EBiz: Where are you seeing opportunities for expansion in HII Mission Technologies’ portfolio? What new capabilities or markets are you eyeing?
Choi: HII’s Mission Technologies has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office to develop a prototype high-energy laser weapon system. The initiative is part of the Army’s effort to enhance its capabilities in countering uncrewed aircraft systems, particularly small- to medium-sized drones.
The prototype will undergo rigorous field testing to evaluate its safety, reliability and operational effectiveness. After testing, the system will advance to low-rate initial production under the Army’s Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space.
High-energy laser systems present a paradigm-shifting advantage on the battlefield by dramatically reducing per-shot costs compared to traditional kinetic interceptors, such as missiles. This cost-efficiency makes them particularly well-suited for countering low-cost, high-volume threats such as drones and mortars.
The next-generation capability reflects HII Mission Technologies’ commitment to developing scalable, sustainable and responsive solutions that protect U.S. warfighters and critical defense assets. As laser technologies mature, they are expected to play a pivotal role in future defense strategies.
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EBiz: What’s your outlook on the global defense landscape? What significant changes or trends are you seeing, and how are those factors moving the GovCon market?
Choi: DOD is rapidly integrating AI and automation into its operations while accelerating the adoption of unmanned systems and drone technologies. Programs such as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiative are advancing the concept of crewed-uncrewed teaming to enhance operational flexibility.
AI, autonomous systems and machine learning are becoming critical components of modern warfare. Governments worldwide are exploring ways to incorporate AI-driven decision-making systems, robotics and advanced surveillance technologies into military operations to strengthen operational capabilities and reduce risks to personnel.
Cybersecurity and information warfare have also become central to global defense strategies. Protecting defense networks and improving cyber resilience are top priorities for most nations.
The demand for high-tech solutions—particularly in AI, space systems and cybersecurity—is fueling a significant increase in research, development and production contracts. Aerospace and defense companies must adapt by integrating these technologies into their offerings, leading to growth in contracts related to electronic warfare, cyber defense and AI applications for the military.
EBiz: What has HII Mission Technologies been up to in the space capabilities realm?
Choi: Space has become a critical frontier in military competition, with space-based weapons and satellite constellations playing key roles in strategic defense. The U.S. and other nations are heavily investing in space capabilities.
HII Mission Technologies has contributed to the U.S. space enterprise for decades. As a provider of commercial spacecraft thermal control products, our advanced materials and coatings laboratory has a 60-year legacy in advanced thermal space coatings science and chemistry. Known for its technical excellence and rapid problem-solving capabilities, the laboratory has developed innovative materials to protect aerospace structures and components from the harsh conditions of space.
These materials have been used in historic NASA programs, including the Gemini and Apollo missions, the International Space Station and numerous projects with DOD. HII Mission Technologies engineers pioneered unique coatings and materials that continue to support mission success in orbit and beyond.
In addition to expertise in materials science, HII Mission Technologies plays a pivotal role in NASA’s space robotics initiatives, particularly in the development and integration of robotic arm systems for on-orbit refueling and servicing missions.
Most recently, HII Mission Technologies was awarded a study contract under the U.S. Space Force’s Advanced Space Technology for Range Operations–Electromagnetic Range initiative. This program aims to enhance the National Space Test and Training Complex by developing integrated ground infrastructure and on-orbit capabilities to support electronic warfare testing and training.
We were also selected for Phase 2 of the study which is scheduled to deliver its recommendations by the end of 2025. This contract, awarded through the Space Enterprise Consortium’s OTA, reflects HII Mission Technologies’ expanding role in space operations and its commitment to advancing space domain awareness and electromagnetic spectrum operations. It also aligns with the Space Force’s mission to enhance space education, training, doctrine and testing—ensuring the United States remains dominant in the space domain.
