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As safety-critical industries move beyond experimentation and toward production-grade adoption of Rust, 2026 marks a pivotal transition from promise to practical assurance. In this article, Tony Aiello discusses Rust and its likely application in safety-critical systems in 2026.

In 2025, Ada made what could be described as a comeback.Last March, Ada broke into the TIOBE Index top 20 (reaching number 18), and by July, Ada broke the top 10 (reaching number 9 – its highest-ever position on TIOBE). It is now back to number 18. Moreover, this month Ada also broke into the top 10 in the PopularitY of Programming Language Index (PYPL), landing at number 9.While programming languages such as Python, C/C++, and Java continue to rank amongst the most popular languages, the resurgence of interest in Ada could partially be explained by the push to use more memory-safe languages.

Modern defense systems are built from complex, interdependent software components, including avionics and flight controls, mission computers, C4ISR platforms, autonomous and semi-autonomous systems, secure communications, and ground support tooling. These systems must operate correctly the first time and every time, often in degraded or contested environments, and they must resist sophisticated cyber threats throughout long service lives. We outline why static analysis is a strategic necessity for military applications and set the stage for how a tool like CodeSonar can operationalise these benefits at programme scale.

Zenseact develops world-leading safety software for passenger cars. As an AI and software company dedicated to revolutionizing car safety, Zenseact designs the complete software stack for autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems. AdaCore supplies the tools for Zenseact's high-integrity software development requirements. This article examines why SPARK is utilized to meet ASIL C and D requirements.

The ISO 26262 standard, which governs functional safety for electrical and electronic systems in vehicles, has become the reference point for managing this challenge. Compliance is not simply a technical checkbox; it is a strategic necessity.

Software drives innovation in cars – and increases risks. Only through secure development, vetted partners, and cyber resilience can mobility remain protected and future-proof.