Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group

Strengthening our understanding of the relationship between the Department of Defense and its industrial base

DIIG provides timely, in-depth analysis on the critical issues at the cross-section of the Department of Defense and its industrial base. With a focus on defense acquisition trends, technological innovation, security cooperation, and ongoing reform efforts, DIIG monitors important developments in the global defense industry. DIIG’s products consist of major research projects, published reports, commentaries, interviews, and events.

About the Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group

Learn more about the CSIS Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group and the experts and staff that contribute to our analysis.

Cynthia Cook

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Latest Analysis

Photo: U.S. Army

Photo: U.S. Army

Rising Demand and Proliferating Supply of Military UAS

There has been a significant rise in the proliferation of military uninhabited aerial systems. This report reveals drivers and implications by examining the Nagorno-Karabakh war, the Russian war in Ukraine, and contracting and international trade data.

Report by Gregory Sanders , Rose Butchart , Astrid Price , Dan Steinberg , and Alexander Holderness — May 24, 2023

See all analysis by Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group

Featured Event

Photo: Spc. Charles Leitner/U.S. Army

Pressing Challenges to U.S. Army Acquisition

March 3, 2023

Discussion between the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology the Honorable Douglas Bush and Dr. Cynthia Cook with the Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group (DIIG).  The discussion explored challenges to the defense industrial base in the U.S.

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U.S. Military Forces in FY 2022: Army

The U.S. Army’s force structure remains steady even though its budget declined by $3.6 billion dollars. The Army does this by cutting modernization and readiness. In the long term, the Army’s force structure is at risk because of the strategic focus on China.

Report by Mark F. Cancian — October 21, 2021

Reaching Farther, Risking Less

Remotely crewed systems play an important role for ISR in contested spaces. This brief examines DoD's investment, comparing budget and strategy. The Air Force led early in remotely crewed systems, but has reduced its investment while spending on maritime systems increased.

Brief by Rose Butchart , Gregory Sanders , Jill N. Cheney , and Sevan Araz — September 22, 2021

What Is DoD Buying?

This brief examines what DoD is buying and whether those trends align with the priorities outlined in the 2018 National Defense Strategy (NDS). It explores key trends in defense spending on products, services, and research and development (R&D), and by platform portfolio.

Brief by Rhys McCormick — August 27, 2021

Achieving an Additive Manufacturing Breakthrough

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a promising technology that many believe is on the precipice of a breakthrough. AM developers, manufacturers, and policymakers should work to unite around achieving an AM breakthrough in mission-based applications that only AM can enable.

Brief by Andrew Philip Hunter , Asya Akca , and Emma Bates — June 22, 2021

Geopolitical Implications of Scientific Innovation Trends in Northeast Asia

This event and the accompanying report discuss the implications of scientific innovations and emerging technologies on geopolitics in Northeast Asia. The discussed emerging technologies have substantial commercial and military consequences, areas that will both prove strategically important.

Event by and Seth G. Jones , Chris Fall , Kaitlyn Johnson , Ian Williams , Andrew Philip Hunter , Park In-kook , Boo Suk-Jung , Lee Guenwook , Kim Yoon , Dr. Jason Matheny , Shin Changhwan — June 18, 2021

The Army's Next-Generation Combat Vehicle

Please join CSIS's Defense Industrial Initiatives Group for an interview with Major General Richard Coffman, Director of the Army Futures Command's Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team.

Event by Andrew Philip Hunter and MG Richard Coffman — March 10, 2021

Defense Acquisition in the Biden Administration

Defense acquisition policy has undergone significant reform over the past several years. The Biden administration will likely focus on implementing those reforms as it prioritizes developing emerging technologies and achieving domestic policy goals.

Critical Questions by Rhys McCormick — February 12, 2021