The landscape of threats facing the U.S. and its allies is rapidly evolving. With peer and near-peer adversaries deploying increasingly advanced weapon systems across various domains, the complexity, sophistication, and volume of challenges are on the rise. Even nations with limited industrial capabilities now have access to modern, low-cost weaponry that can cause significant damage.
To counter this dynamic threat environment, the U.S. military needs a robust and agile industrial base capable of rapid prototyping, high-volume manufacturing, and the flexibility to adjust production based on shifting demands. Recent discussions at the Air and Space Forces Association conference in Washington, D.C., highlighted the future of weapon development and the crucial collaboration required between government and industry to expedite the delivery of vital systems to the military. Here are four key pillars that can provide the U.S. with a decisive advantage in this era of growing threats.
1. Collaboration at the Core
To enable U.S. warfighters to remain ahead of evolving threats, government customers are increasingly adopting new acquisition philosophies that foster collaboration among industry stakeholders. Initiatives like the Weapon Open System Architecture (WOSA), utilized by the U.S. Air Force and now the Navy, promote modularity and interoperability among component vendors. The integration of WOSA standards into Eglin Air Force Base’s Weapons Government Reference Architecture will facilitate high-volume production and rapid technology iteration in response to emerging threats.
The government can further enhance these efforts by encouraging open standards and plug-and-play modularity, particularly at the subcomponent level. For instance, providing solicitation information directly to major subsystem providers through contracts such as Eglin’s Wide Agile Acquisition Contract would ensure equal access to information for all key players in the weapons ecosystem. This approach promotes direct interactions between the government and major subsystem vendors, streamlining cooperation.
Continued, robust dialogue between government and industry is essential for aligning expectations with industry capabilities while keeping the industry responsive to government objectives. Proactively communicating requirements throughout acquisition programs will lead to better outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
At L3Harris, the commitment to finding collaborative opportunities extends beyond government partnerships. Collaborations with industry peers, emerging innovators, and academic institutions enhance the disruption needed to cultivate new capabilities that maintain the U.S.’s strategic advantage over adversaries.
2. Investment in Sub-Tier Suppliers
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and other emerging global challenges have highlighted the critical need for the U.S. to revive and strengthen its defense production supply chains, many of which have languished over recent decades. Solid rocket motors (SRMs) play a vital role in powering the majority of U.S. weapon systems, making them a significant focus area for enhancing the industrial supply base.
To bolster the industrial supply chain for SRM components, direct investments in suppliers for cases, igniters, and nozzles are necessary. Currently, the reliance on single providers for these essential subcomponents poses scalability challenges, especially when multiple prime contractors compete for the same resources. L3Harris has addressed this issue by investing over $25 million in its sub-tier SRM suppliers over the past 18 months, aimed at expanding their capacity and modernizing manufacturing processes. Continued investment from both the government and industry is crucial to sustaining these vital suppliers.
3. Direct and Multi-Year Contracts
Predictability in defense demands enables improved readiness. Multi-year contracts are effective in fostering private sector investments at the subcontractor level, enhancing industrial-base stability and capacity while promoting innovation and cost savings. Accurate, consistent demand signals stimulate the necessary investments in infrastructure and facilities essential for meeting these needs.
Moreover, direct-to-supplier contracts with the government can significantly enhance affordability and expedite the acquisition process. Coordinated efforts to establish predictable contracting environments will empower the industry to ensure timely access to crucial military capabilities.
4. Leveraging Additive Manufacturing for Rapid Prototyping
Additive manufacturing (AM), along with 3D modeling and digital engineering, has proven effective for rapid prototyping of complex components. At L3Harris, for instance, the application of AM in scramjet engine production has resulted in over a 75% reduction in manufacturing time and costs, as well as a 95% decrease in parts count. Such targeted applications demonstrate how the industry can work quickly and collaboratively with government partners to design, model, prototype, and test at the speed of modern warfare demands.
As the U.S. and its allies confront increasingly capable adversaries probing for vulnerabilities across multiple domains, collaboration between government and industry becomes paramount. By embracing initiatives that advocate for modularity and interoperability, such as WOSA, and maintaining clear, ongoing communication regarding government requirements, industry can effectively rise to the challenges posed by rapidly evolving threats. The ability to deploy weapons quickly and affordably, alongside a commitment to rapid innovation, will not only keep adversaries uncertain but also work toward fostering a safer geopolitical landscape.
