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.
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Paige Montfort
- Media Relations Manager, External Relations
- 202.775.3173
- pmontfort@csis.org
Latest Analysis

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
Managing Risk and Technology Insertion in Crewed Tactical Jet Engines
Brief by Alexander Holderness , Gregory Sanders , and Nicholas Velazquez — April 18, 2023

Powering Proliferation: The Global Engine Market and China’s Indigenization
Brief by Alexander Holderness , Nicholas Velazquez , Jasmine Phillips , Gregory Sanders , and Cynthia Cook — March 21, 2023

Reviving the Arsenal of Democracy: Steps for Surging Defense Industrial Capacity
Report by Cynthia Cook — March 14, 2023

Constricting the Means of Production: Ally-Centric Cooperative Economic Deterrence
Commentary by Alexander Holderness and Cynthia Cook — February 14, 2023
Featured Topics
All content by Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group
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Arms Trade Reform Options for the New Administration and Congress
Critical Questions by Gregory Sanders — February 5, 2021
Department of Defense Other Transaction Authority Trends: A New R&D Funding Paradigm?
Brief by Rhys McCormick — December 8, 2020
To Compete, Invest in People: Retaining the U.S. Defense Enterprise’s Technical Workforce
Brief by Lindsey R. Sheppard , Morgan Dwyer , Melissa Dalton , and Angelina Hidalgo — November 23, 2020
Defense Acquisition Trends 2020: Topline DoD Trends
Brief by Rhys McCormick — October 8, 2020
Online Event: Department of Defense’s Service Industrial Base
Event by Gregory Sanders , Andrew Philip Hunter , Mr. David J. Berteau , Mr. Eric Chewning , and Ms. Tara Murphy Dougherty — October 1, 2020
Measuring Service Contract Performance
Report by Gregory Sanders and Andrew Philip Hunter — September 18, 2020
Is the Ratio of Investment between Research and Development to Production in Major Defense Acquisition Programs Experiencing Fundamental Change?
Report by Gregory Sanders , Andrew Philip Hunter , and Rhys McCormick — August 17, 2020
Cycle Times and Cycles of Acquisition Reform
Brief by Alec C. Blivas , Brenen Tidwell , and Morgan Dwyer — August 5, 2020
Online Event: Challenges to the Industrial Base during Covid-19
Event by Andrew Philip Hunter , Mitch Snyder , Nazzic S. Keene , and General Hawk Carlisle USAF (Ret) — May 28, 2020
Prioritizing Weapon System Cybersecurity in a Post-Pandemic Defense Department
Commentary by Morgan Dwyer — May 13, 2020