Marine Corps to unveil next-gen warfighting tech, celebrate 250 years at Modern Day Marine 2026

After commemorating the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary last year, the service is turning to what’s next for expeditionary warfare with its annual Modern Day Marine exposition in Washington, D.C., running April 28–30 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Billed by organizers as the Corps’ flagship showcase of operating concepts, modernization priorities, and new technology, the event is designed to connect Marines with the defense industrial base and Capitol Hill stakeholders to accelerate capabilities headed to the fleet. The program is set to feature keynotes and main-stage sessions with senior leaders including Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, Commandant Gen. Eric M. Smith, and, per the agenda, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, alongside other top military and government officials.

“This year’s theme, ‘From American Shores: 250 Years of Fighting Forward,’ reflects the essence of who we are – our Nation’s premier expeditionary force-in-readiness. Sustaining that role requires modernization with purpose – making disciplined choices to balance near-term readiness while investing in the advanced technologies required for future conflict,” said Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith. “Modern Day Marine is a force multiplier for that modernization – bringing Marines together with industry leaders and congressional partners to focus on what matters most: warfighting. The collaboration that occurs here will translate directly into capabilities in the hands of our warfighters.”

Organizers say journalists, industry representatives, and the public will hear updates on weapons and platforms in development, capability investments, and solutions aimed at improving lethality. Service acquisition officials are slated to brief major portfolios and initiatives to companies across the U.S. defense sector.

On the show floor, more than 400 exhibitors will occupy about 84,000 square feet with interactive displays, hands-on demos, and equipment. Planned content spans next-generation weapons and naval expeditionary platforms; crisis response and deterrence; acquisition reform under the new Program Acquisition Executive – Marine Corps; strengthening the maritime industrial base; unmanned and autonomous systems; counter-drone and air defense; advanced training and simulation; logistics and sustainment for contested environments; the Objective One Wargaming Competition; and community-focused events including a military spouse summit plus a hiring and education fair.

Professional military education will run across four stages, featuring a wargaming convention and expert panels on future operating challenges and potential solutions. Sessions will cover areas such as intelligence and cyber operations, tactical communications, and Marine Air-Ground Task Force command and control.

“Modern Day Marine stands at the intersection of heritage and transformation, where the Marine Corps’ warfighting vision meets the ingenuity of the defense industrial base,” said Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Charles Chiarotti, President and CEO of the Marine Corps Association. “In this milestone year for our Nation celebrating 250 years of fighting forward, the expo highlights the ideas, partnerships, and technologies that will define the next generation of expeditionary warfare.”

Programming, according to the Corps, is intended to underscore the service’s standing as the nation’s expeditionary force-in-readiness and its efforts to adapt for future conflicts while sustaining near-term readiness.

“From our inception 250 years ago, Marines have continued to fight and win every battle we have found ourselves in, no matter the odds,” said T.J. Morgan, National Commandant of the Marine Corps League. “As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday this year, Modern Day Marine allows us to reflect on past victories. By combining advanced technology with the unmatched problem-solving skills of today’s Marines, we look toward the future and remain the world’s fiercest fighting force.”

Registration details are available at www.marinemilitaryexpos.com. Media inquiries can be directed to [email protected].