Wars rage in Europe and the Middle East, conflict looms in the Pacific, and stability in the High North is challenged. Technological superiority and defense-industrial capabilities are essential to counter these challenges. Therefore, NATO allies and partners are more focused than ever on shaping policy to foster allied defense production. 

 

In line with this imperative, the U.S. has taken important measures to strengthen and facilitate cooperation with trusted allies. The Pentagon's first-ever release of a National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS) underscores the U.S.' focus on supply chain resiliency. An expanded National Technology & Industrial Base (NTIB), an ITAR-exempt AUKUS, a near doubling of Security of Supply Arrangements (SoSAs), and most recently exempting all countries with a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) MoU from strengthened Buy American laws — these are all strong examples of America’s push for tighter integration of critical supply chains among allies and partner nations. 

 

To deter conflict and secure peace, not only must we operate together as allied forces, we must also find ways to develop, innovate, procure and sustain together.