Marine Corps to Unveil Next-Gen Warfighting Tech and Celebrate 250 Years of Heritage at Modern Day Marine 2026

HEADQUARTERS, MARINE CORPS – Fresh off the celebration of the Marine Corps’ own 250th anniversary last year, the service is now turning its attention to the future of expeditionary warfare as the United States prepares to mark its semi-quincentennial.

U.S. Marines will gather April 28 to April 30 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to present the latest in operating concepts, modernization efforts, and technological innovations during the Marine Corps’ annual military exposition.

Modern Day Marine is the premier Marine Corps exposition and symposium. Serving as a crucial bridge between the battlefield and the defense industrial base, this year’s event offers an unparalleled look into the strategic investments, emerging platforms, and cutting-edge innovations ensuring Marines remain the world’s most lethal force-in-readiness.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear keynote speeches and main briefing stage panels from dignitaries including the Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable John Phelan; Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith; Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Daryl Caudle, and numerous other senior military leaders 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.”

The event provides a collaborative forum, fostering interaction with Marines, experts, and industry professionals to explore and advance the most effective solutions for accelerating innovation. Journalists, industry representatives, and members of the public will hear briefs on the Marine Corps’ latest platforms and weapons systems, investments in capability development, and learn more about the latest solutions that will enhance Marines’ lethality.

Service acquisition professionals will provide updates on major portfolios and initiatives to representatives from across the U.S. defense industrial base. The exhibition will host more than 400 industry displays, filling 84,000 square feet of floor space with interactive displays, hands-on product demonstrations, equipment, and more. Exhibits, demonstrations, and seminars will cover a wide variety of topics relevant to military personnel, their families, and national security stakeholders including:

• Next-generation weapons systems and platforms
• Crisis response and efforts to deter conflict
• Acquisition reforms and streamlined development through the newly established Program Acquisition Executive – Marine Corps
• Naval platforms and expeditionary capabilities
• Efforts to bolster the maritime industrial base
• Unmanned systems and autonomous technologies
• Counter-unmanned aerial systems and air defense capabilities
• Training and simulation technologies for realistic and immersive training experiences
• Logistics and sustainment solutions to support expeditionary operations in contested environments
• Objective One Wargaming Competition
• Military spouse summit, and hiring and education fair

Additionally, the event will showcase future concepts and capabilities in professional military education, featuring senior leader and subject matter expert talks across four stages. PME highlights include a wargaming convention and highly specialized panel presentations addressing future operational challenges, trend lines, and potential solutions. Featured PME sessions will span topics from Intelligence and Cyber Operations to 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 at this year’s Modern Day Marine will showcase the Marine Corps’ enduring legacy as our nation’s expeditionary force-in-readiness, and how today’s Marine Corps continues adapting to answer the nation’s call as the first to fight, wherever freedom is challenged.

“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.”

Register for the event at www.marinemilitaryexpos.com. For additional information, contact Communication Directorate at [email protected].