Strong defense industrial base bolsters deterrence to prevent hotspot conflicts

Vital Signs 2024: U.S. Defense Industrial Base Still Facing Headwinds; National Defense- NDIA’s Business and Technology Magazine;

During the last 35 years, six U.S. administrations have worked tirelessly to deter peer conflict. But in many ways, the nation both forgot enduring truths regarding what national deterrence against peer competition requires and failed to successfully address the changing social, demographic and financial trends impacting the defense industrial base. In addition, public consciousness lost the direct connection between a strong defense industrial base and effective national deterrence. Informed by the tragedies of current conflict unfolding in multiple regions around the world, U.S. policymakers are more keenly conscious of the consequences of failed deterrence and the inexorable reality of what it would take for the U.S. military to prevail in multiple contingencies occurring simultaneously. While technological advancements provide early tactical advantages, nations usually win or lose conflicts over the long term based on the strength and endurance of their political and military alliances, national treasuries and defense industrial bases.