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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Economic Security as National Security: A Discussion with Dr. Peter Navarro

Watch as CSIS had a discussion with Dr. Peter Navarro, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy to learn more about the administration’s view of how economic policy supports national security.

Event by Andrew Philip Hunter and Dr. Peter Navarro — November 9, 2018

Artificial Intelligence and National Security: The Importance of the AI Ecosystem

Watch the Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group and the International Security Program as they had a discussion on national security, artificial intelligence, and the nexus between AI’s national security applications and its broader commercial applications. 

Event by Andrew Philip Hunter , Dr. David Sparrow , Ms. Erin Hawley , Dr. Drew Vandeth , and Mr. Ryan Lewis — November 5, 2018

U.S. Arms Transfer Policy

The Trump Administration released its new Conventional Arms Transfer (CAT) policy and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) export policy in April 2018. It constitutes the first update to the CAT policy since January 2014. 

Event by Andrew Philip Hunter , Ambassador Tina Kaidanow , Mr. Alex Gray , Ms. Laura Cressey , Mr. Jeff Abramson , Mr. Keith Webster , Ms. Melissa Dalton , and Mr. Dak Hardwick — August 8, 2018

Essential Imperatives for U.S. Arms Transfer Policy

While the economic imperative associated with arms transfers is important for industry stakeholders, the security and humanitarian imperatives inherent in this issue should not be forgotten.

Commentary by Andrew Philip Hunter and Melissa Dalton — July 24, 2018

Use of Incentives in Performance-Based Logistics Contracting

Traditional contracting is primarily transactional, rewarding contractors when deliveries are made or certain process milestones are met. Performance-Based Logistic (PBL) contracting seeks to base contractor incentives on ongoing performance measures to achieve reliability and cost savings.

Report by Gregory Sanders , Andrew Howe , Grant McDonald , and Jesse E. Ellman — April 9, 2018

A Strategic Approach to Defense Investment

The great question for the Department of Defense is whether the window of budget opportunity closes before it can get its investment aligned with its strategy.

Commentary by Andrew Philip Hunter — March 26, 2018