For years, there has been extensive discussion in Washington regarding the dangers posed by the Chinese Communist Party to the United States. Analysts and politicians have produced countless reports, held hearings, and issued warnings about Beijing’s advances in military power, economic strategies, and technology, claiming these factors threaten U.S. military dominance. Yet, amid all this dialogue, policymakers have largely overlooked a crucial aspect: the need to restore industrial capacity to manufacture the weapons systems necessary to deter or combat Chinese aggression.
That narrative is finally shifting.
Thanks to efforts from the Trump administration, the Army Department is starting to implement reforms that have long been promised by Republicans but seldom realized. Secretary Pete Hegseth and Deputy Secretary Steve Feinberg are not merely adjusting Pentagon programs; they are actively establishing a genuine partnership between the government and defense industry to boost military production to levels reminiscent of the Cold War. Production of critical systems, like the Tomahawk cruise missile, is set to increase dramatically, with new long-term contracts from the Pentagon.
This is, I believe, a pivotal moment. While we’ve been caught up in debates and delays, China has spent the last twenty years building a formidable navy, modernizing its nuclear arsenal, and amassing advanced weapons. The Chinese leadership knows that victories in warfare often belong to those who can manufacture weapons faster than their opponents can destroy them. It feels like we’re racing to replenish our arsenal of freedom, and frankly, we seem to be falling behind.
The defense sector has historically dealt with conflicting needs, protracted negotiations, and a bureaucratic procurement process that complicates long-term planning. This has, unsurprisingly, led to companies hesitating to invest heavily in production capabilities unless they had firm assurances of future contracts.
However, that is about to undergo a significant transformation. The Army Department recognizes the urgency of the situation. Recently, five major contracts were signed, aimed at significantly increasing the production of Tomahawk missiles, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), and Standard Missiles. This provides the industry with up to seven years of reliable demand forecasts, encouraging firms to invest in new production facilities in the U.S., grow their workforces, and enhance their supply chains domestically.
The Army Department is dedicated to cutting through the red tape and offering the extended contracts that industry players need for substantial investments. Contractors are responding positively, striving to accelerate timelines, boost U.S. investments, and fortify supply chains. The outcome is a massive financial agreement expected to enhance our arsenal with precision weapons, crucial not just for current tensions with Iran but also for any potential challenges in the Pacific.
It’s essential to recognize that China is closely monitoring these developments. Their strategists understand that America’s key advantage has always been its industrial might and capacity. However, they also acknowledge that their competitive edge is diminishing. Currently, our defense industrial base relies heavily on a just-in-time model that integrates critical components from abroad, which doesn’t align well with the demands of wartime production spikes.
Past administrations have tended to view defense contractors as mere transactional entities, focusing on cost-cutting while offering little in terms of long-term assurance. This led the industry to respond logically by consolidating and cutting back production capabilities during peacetime. While this was happening, China constructed 248 warships compared to our 100, all while we were preoccupied with reform discussions.
The threats we face now demand decisive action. Conflicts occurring in places like Venezuela, Ukraine, and Iran are depleting military resources and revealing weaknesses in global supply chains. I think, at the core of all this, China remains the primary threat. Each Tomahawk missile we fail to produce or each AMRAAM that is delayed represents a missed opportunity that benefits Beijing’s military strategists.
The concept of freedom isn’t just symbolic; it’s tangible. The factories in Texas building the F-35, the Arizona production lines ramping up missile output, and the essential supply chains across America that convert raw materials into essential weapons systems all play a critical role in maintaining peace through strength. Rebuilding our defense capabilities is crucial, as it deters Chinese hostility, reassures our allies, and preserves America’s industrial strength should conflict arise.
The Trump administration gets this. They’re moving forward decisively, and that’s a significant change for the better.
