afwerx is a united states air force program with the goal of fostering a culture of innovation within the service. encompassing a number of programs supported with relatively small amounts of funding, the initiative is intended to circumvent bureaucracy and engage new entrepreneurs in air force programs. afwerx was officially announced by air force secretary heather wilson on 21 july 2017 during her visit to nellis air force base. the program is partially based on the structure of air force special operations command, and has been described as an "island of misfit toys" for entrepreneurs in the air force. secretary wilson stated that the program would "increase lethality at a lower cost".