Full Committee Hearing: Speed to Scale: Revitalizing the Defense Industrial Base

The U.S. House Armed Services Committee held a full committee hearing titled "Speed to Scale: Revitalizing the Defense Industrial Base" on March 5, 2026. The hearing focused on the critical need to strengthen and modernize the U.S. defense industrial base to support warfighters effectively amid growing global threats, particularly from China. Key topics included the erosion of manufacturing capabilities over the past 30 years, the importance of multi-year procurement authorities to provide industry stability, and the necessity of investing in a skilled defense workforce. The Department of Defense highlighted initiatives such as acquisition reform, increased munitions production, and leveraging private sector innovation including additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence. Challenges discussed included supply chain vulnerabilities, workforce shortages, regulatory barriers, and the need for better coordination with allies through international armaments cooperation. The hearing also addressed sustainment issues, emphasizing the importance of modular open systems architecture and software updates to maintain operational readiness. Members expressed concerns about procurement instability, the pace of scaling new technologies, and the need for strategic prioritization in defense spending. The Department committed to ongoing efforts to accelerate production, improve acquisition processes, and collaborate with Congress to address emerging challenges in revitalizing the defense industrial base.