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.

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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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Photo: SrA Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo

Photo: SrA Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo

Building a Mutually Complementary Supply Chain between Japan and the United States

Japan’s recent increases in defense spending and relaxation of defense export rules have prompted a new era of opportunity in defense industrial cooperation with the United States, specifically in the realm of uncrewed aerial systems and electro-optical sensors.

Report by Christopher B. Johnstone, Cynthia Cook, Audrey Aldisert, Leah Klaas, Christine Michienzi, Gregg Rubinstein, Gregory Sanders, and Nicholas Szechenyi — August 15, 2024

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2021 Defense Acquisition Trends: Topline DoD Trends after a Half Decade of Growth

Defense contract obligations grew by 8 percent in FY 2020, driven by spending on products manufactured by the Big Five defense contractors. On the cusp of a new National Security Strategy, this piece explores how a half-decade of growth has changed defense acquisition.

Critical Questions by Gregory Sanders, Won Joon Jang, and Alexander Holderness — December 2, 2021

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