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: Keystone View Company/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Photo: Keystone View Company/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Minerals at War: Strategic Resources and the Foundations of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base

Across conflicts, the United States used stockpiles, price controls, public financing, and foreign procurement to manage mineral supply shocks—only to dismantle them in peacetime. History shows mineral security demands sustained industrial policy, not episodic investment.

Report by Gracelin Baskaran and Samantha Dady — January 14, 2026

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Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

President, Defense and Security Department; Harold Brown Chair

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The Arsenal of Freedom Tour

Please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a conversation on the Secretary of War’s Arsenal of Freedom tour.

Event — January 22, 2026

Actualizing the "Arsenal of Freedom" | All About the Base

The CSIS Center for the Industrial Base is proud to launch the first episode of All About the Base, a video series examining key industrial base issues. The first episode explores Secretary Hegseth's plans for defense acquisition reform.

Event — December 15, 2025

International Industrial Cooperation: Perspectives from Poland

CSIS will host Mr. Konrad Golota, Polish Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of State Assets, for a fireside chat on the Polish defense industry's rapid expansion and adaptation to regional threats and opportunities for industrial cooperation with transatlantic partners.

 

Event — December 5, 2025

Putting the Industrial Base on a Wartime Footing

Putting the industrial base on a wartime footing will require strong leadership and consistent funding, with an investment in readiness for day one of any conflict, and the ability to maintain, repair, and replace the capabilities needed to prevail in any future fight. 

Commentary by Jerry McGinn and Cynthia R. Cook — December 5, 2025

The Mogami: Advancing Australia-Japan Defense Cooperation

In August 2025, the Australian government announced its selection of the upgraded Japanese Mogami-class frigate as its new general-purpose frigate. CSIS Japan Chair Visiting Fellow Moyuru Tanaka analyzes the significance as well as implications of this development.

Commentary by Moyuru Tanaka — November 21, 2025

What to Expect from Secretary Hegseth’s November 7 Speech on the Arsenal of Freedom

Secretary Hegseth’s upcoming “Arsenal of Freedom” address signals a possible historic shift in U.S. defense acquisition and the industrial base—aimed at undoing decades of consolidation, revitalizing industrial capacity, and reforming how the Pentagon delivers capabilities to the warfighter.

Commentary by Jerry McGinn — November 5, 2025

Quantum Sensing and the Future of Warfare: Five Essential Reforms to Stay Competitive

States has ceded key technological terrain in quantum. The administration’s research and development priorities elevate quantum’s importance from fundamental science to critical technologies, but five key reforms must be implemented to regain U.S. dominance. 

Commentary by Jahara Matisek, Katrina Schweiker, and Morgan Bazilian — October 9, 2025