Strengthening the Aerospace and Defense industrial supply chain

Image courtesy of Voyager.

The Aerospace and Defense industrial supply chain isn’t just a network of companies – it’s the backbone of our national security, our technological leadership and our economic strength. It’s what keeps our warfighters equipped, our allies supported and our country prepared for whatever comes next.

But let’s be real – our supply chain is under strain like never before. Geopolitical tensions are rising, and global disruptions have exposed vulnerabilities we can no longer ignore. We must act now, with urgency, purpose and a relentless commitment to strengthening this foundation through a powerful combination of government support, strategic partnerships and an honest assessment of our own limitations.

If we align our strengths and collaborate with intent, we don’t just build a more resilient and innovative supply chain, we create something far more valuable than what we could achieve alone. That is how we make one plus one equal three, and it’s the mindset required to win the future.

The need for a strong and resilient A&D supply chain

I’ve seen firsthand how fragile our supply chain can be. COVID-19 was a wake-up call, but even before that, we were already dealing with bottlenecks, workforce shortages and an overreliance on foreign suppliers. These aren’t just business risks. They’re threats to our national security. If we can’t deliver the critical systems and components our military depends on, we aren’t just missing deadlines – we’re failing the men and women who rely on us.

That’s why we need a supply chain that is:

• Resilient – Capable of withstanding and recovering from disruptions.

• Agile – Able to adapt to evolving threats and technological advancements.
• Efficient – Optimized for demand at an effective cost, without sacrificing quality or security.
• Secure – Protected from cyber threats and intellectual property theft.

This isn’t just a checklist. It’s a mindset. It’s the foundation for how we win the future.

The role of the U.S. Government in strengthening the A&D supply chain

The U.S. government knows the criticality of the A&D supply chain. That’s why agencies like the Department of Defense, the Defense Logistics Agency and others have stepped up with initiatives designed to fortify our domestic supply chain. Key programs include:

• National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan – Transforming the defense industrial base into a more resilient, dynamic and modernized ecosystem.
• The Defense Production Act – Empowering domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
• Supply Chain Resilience Programs – Providing funding and strategic support for small and mid-sized suppliers.

These programs are game changers, but they’re just the starting point. The government can’t fix this alone. We, as an industry, must step up proactively, strategically and with a shared sense of purpose.

The importance of realistic self-assessment

Let’s be honest. Overpromising and underdelivering is a persistent issue. We all know companies that have taken on contracts beyond their capacity, leading to production delays, cost overruns and broken trust. That must stop. To move forward, we need brutal honesty about what we can – and can’t – deliver. That means:

• Assessing our true capabilities – Knowing exactly where we stand in terms of production, scalability and risk.
• Investing in workforce and infrastructure – Ensuring we’re prepared for long-term demand, not just short-term gains.
• Leveraging government support wisely – Using funding to build sustainable growth, not chasing the next contract.

If we take an honest look at our industry, we’ll see that no company can do it alone. That’s where partnerships come in.

The power of partnerships

In A&D, collaboration isn’t optional, it’s essential. No single company – no matter its size – has all the answers. The real breakthroughs happen when prime contractors, small and mid-sized suppliers, and government agencies work together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

When we collaborate with intent, we:

• Accelerate innovation – Pairing established defense giants with agile startups can lead to faster breakthroughs.

• Increase supply chain redundancy – Multi-source agreements prevent single points of failure.
• Improve cost efficiency – Shared resources and joint investments lower production costs and increase competitiveness.
• Mitigate risk – A diversified supply chain that leverages joint problem-solving is a strong supply chain.

I’ve seen it happen. When the right partners come together, one plus one doesn’t equal two. It equals three.

We must reshape the A&D supply chain to make it stronger, smarter and more resilient. But it won’t happen through wishful thinking. It will take hard decisions, strategic investments and a commitment to working together.

The future of our industry and our national security depends on it. And I, for one, am #MissionReady. Are you?