In the context of a transformed security environment and the accelerating pace of technological change, agile innovation has gained increasing importance as a strategic approach to enhancing the efficiency, resilience, and responsiveness of the defense industry. The present study aims to formulate defense industry strategies in the domain of agile innovation. From a methodological perspective, this research adopts a qualitative–analytical approach grounded in a strategic planning framework. Data were collected through a systematic literature review, semi-structured interviews with defense-sector experts, and analysis of upstream policy documents. In the initial stage, key internal and external environmental factors were identified using the SWOT model. Subsequently, to weight and prioritize the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the SWOT matrix, as well as the overarching strategies, data were prioritized using the SWARA method, based on the judgments of 15 experts. In addition, to provide policy-level support for the proposed strategies, five overarching agile innovation policies were formulated.بOverall, the findings indicate that achieving agile innovation in the defense industry requires the establishment of an agile innovation ecosystem founded on collaboration among the public sector, private industry, and the scientific community, with an emphasis on the localization of advanced technologies, the strengthening of cyber and intelligent defense capabilities, and the adoption of emerging technologies. Accordingly, the principal macro-strategy of agile innovation in the defense industry is articulated as the creation of such an ecosystem, aimed at enhancing operational capability, effectively countering future threats, and consolidating strategic positioning within the global security and economic environment.