A yet-to-be-released draft of the National Defense Industrial Strategy reveals a significant challenge within the U.S. military as it struggles to keep pace with global demands in the high-tech arms race, particularly in comparison to formidable adversaries such as China.
Set to be disclosed by Pentagon acquisition chief William LaPlante, the report underscores the shortcomings of the U.S. defense industrial base in terms of capacity, capability, and speed required for military production on a global scale.
As reported by POLITICO on November 27, the draft outlines that despite the U.S. maintaining superiority in weapon development, it faces a major hurdle in rapid production, posing a strategic risk amid ongoing combat operations and a technologically advanced threat in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum, LaPlante outlined a strategic vision involving a robust partnership with the industry. He emphasized the government’s need to demonstrate commitment through sustained funding and transparent communication regarding future procurement needs.
Crucially, LaPlante underscored the seriousness of procuring prototype weapons in substantial quantities. However, some insiders find the draft lacking in concrete recommendations, with one defense industry adviser expressing frustration over the report’s failure to address long-term solutions to supply chain challenges haunting the defense sector.
The report acknowledges China’s transformation into a global industrial powerhouse over the past three decades, surpassing the combined output of key European and Asian allies. It also highlights vulnerabilities exposed by the Covid pandemic, along with recent geopolitical events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Hamas attack on Israel.
To confront these challenges head-on, the strategy proposes the development of more resilient and innovative supply chains, increased investment in smaller businesses, and a renewed focus on innovation. Importantly, it advocates for contributions from a diverse range of entities, both domestic and foreign, irrespective of their prior association with the Department of Defense or defense production.
The strategy concludes with a resounding call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for focused, dedicated efforts from both the public and private sectors. It stresses the necessity of building and securing industrial capability and capacity to ensure the military possesses the requisite materiel for deterrence and potential conflicts.
