Rebooting America’s Defense Industrial Base

The United States is undertaking a critical effort to rebuild and strengthen its defense industrial base, addressing vulnerabilities in supply chains, fostering innovation, and ensuring readiness for future conflicts. This initiative is being led by the Department of War, with a focus on securing critical national security supply chains and adapting to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

The State of the Defense Industrial Base

Recent discussions highlight the complex state of the defense industrial base, encompassing established prime contractors, emerging ventures backed by venture capital, and the critical demand to secure access to essential minerals. A key focus is on overcoming the “unsexy realities of implementation” and scaling production to meet potential demands. [War on the Rocks]

Michael Cadenazzi: Leading the Charge

Michael Cadenazzi, sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy on September 23, 2025, is central to this effort. [Office of the Secretary of War] As the principal advisor to the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, Cadenazzi leads the Department of War’s initiatives to develop and maintain a robust U.S. Defense industrial base. [Hudson Institute]

Cadenazzi’s Background and Expertise

Prior to his current role, Cadenazzi held significant positions in the aerospace and defense industry. He served as Managing Director at EY for nearly four years and as Senior Vice President of Product Development and Director of Solutions at Govini. [ExecutiveGov] He also founded VisualDoD, later acquired by McKinsey & Company, where he held roles such as Associate Partner and Senior Knowledge Expert. [ExecutiveGov] His earlier experience includes leadership roles at Diligent Innovations and Toffler Associates, as well as serving as Global Head of Protective Intelligence at Deutsche Bank and as a Senior Engineer at Space and Defense Systems Inc. [ExecutiveGov]

Key Areas of Focus

• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Addressing weaknesses in the supply chains for critical components and materials.
• Critical Minerals: Securing access to essential minerals required for defense production.
• Scaling Production: Developing the capacity to rapidly increase production to meet surge demands.
• Innovation: Fostering innovation within the defense industrial base, including supporting latest ventures.
• Allies: Coordinating with allies to strengthen collective defense capabilities.

Looking Ahead

The Department of War, under the leadership of Assistant Secretary Cadenazzi, is actively seeking ideas and collaboration to rebuild the foundation of American military power. The ongoing efforts to revitalize the defense industrial base are crucial for maintaining national security and ensuring the United States remains a global leader in defense capabilities.