Air Force Special Operations Command has opened voting through October 26, 2026, for the Thunder Dome Innovation Competition set for fiscal year 2027. Air Commandos from the active force, Air National Guard, and Reserve may each cast three votes after registering a Department of War account, helping choose which tactical pitches advance as finalists.

Winning teams gain development money and program-office backing to prototype, test, and field solutions for frontline use. Last cycle, the 193rd Special Operations Wing in Pennsylvania received 51,000 dollars to produce 27 additively manufactured shielded lock boxes now entering exercise evaluation for physical security and radio-frequency protection. The 137th Special Operations Wing in Oklahoma applied the same amount to communications tracking tags and optical scanners, with expansion planned beyond the communications flight. The 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field received 510,000 dollars to complete multi-hazard upgrades for explosive ordnance disposal training ranges.