Defense Industrial Base

The CSIS Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group studies the critical issues at the cross-section of the Department of Defense and its industrial base, focusing on defense acquisition trends, technological innovation, security cooperation, and ongoing reform efforts.

Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Reshaping Defense: Secretary Hegseth’s Latest Initiatives, Point by Point

The Pentagon has announced seven initiatives shaping drone acquisition, “legacy” systems procurement, supply chains, officer commissioning, senior officer management, and base operations. Some have bipartisan support; some face opposition; all face a long process.

Report by Mark F. Cancian — October 20, 2026

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Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

President, Defense and Security Department; Harold Brown Chair

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Reshaping Defense: Secretary Hegseth’s Latest Initiatives, Point by Point

The Pentagon has announced seven initiatives shaping drone acquisition, “legacy” systems procurement, supply chains, officer commissioning, senior officer management, and base operations. Some have bipartisan support; some face opposition; all face a long process.

Report by Mark F. Cancian — October 20, 2026

“Bunker Busters”: Deep Targets, Shallow Stocks

Bunker buster munitions were once a niche capability required for a small set of special targets. They have now moved into the mainstream as U.S. adversaries have responded to U.S. precision attack munitions by hardening and burying many activities.

Commentary by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — October 15, 2026

The Last Line of Defense

Can America’s Industrial Base Handle a Two-Front War?

Host Seth Jones sits down with The Honorable Dr. Kathleen Hicks, the 35th U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense and former director of the International Security Program at CSIS, to discuss how industrial production shapes U.S. military readiness across multiple theaters.

Podcast Episode by Seth G. Jones and The Honorable Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks — October 7, 2026

The Last Line of Defence

From Partners to Producers: U.S.-Australia Defense Cooperation

On this episode of All About the Base, Dr. Jerry McGinn speaks with Ms. Belinda Templeman, Australia’s Minister-Counsellor for Defence Materiel, about the growing integration of the U.S. and Australian defense industrial bases, from AUKUS and critical minerals to co-production, supply chains, and building greater allied industrial resilience.

Event — October 5, 2026

Space Launch Capacity and Contenders | HTK

Please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department’s HTK Series for a conversation about recent developments in U.S. and Chinese space launch capabilities. 

Event — September 9, 2026

U.S. and Allied Burden Sharing: A Progress Report

On this episode of All About the Base, Dr. Jerry McGinn discusses trends in defense spending and procurement across U.S. allies in Europe and East Asia, as well as joint efforts to manufacture munitions, sustain weapons systems, and stabilize critical supply chains. 

Event — September 8, 2026

Strengthening Australia's Weapons Sustainment Ecosystem

On this episode of All About the Base, Dr. Jerry McGinn unpacks the issue of resilience in the Pacific and ways to improve Australia's sustainment ecosystem with Mr. Jed Royal, former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs.

Event — August 31, 2026