The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has expressed support for the Senate's passage of its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026. Eric Fanning, President and CEO of AIA, praised the legislative progress and called on Congress to include comprehensive reforms aimed at improving the defense acquisition system in the final bill.
Fanning stated, "Providing the Pentagon with the funding and authorities it needs to fulfill its mission is one of Congress’s most important responsibilities. With both chambers advancing this bill, we’re a step closer to real change—enabling industry to deliver equipment and services to our warfighters faster."
He emphasized that the legislation encourages industry innovation while maintaining essential legacy systems. "This legislation sends a strong signal to industry: unleash the next generation of technology, sustain vital legacy systems, and drive innovation to keep America ahead of its adversaries. As the House and Senate now work together to finalize the National Defense Authorization Act, we urge them to adopt bold reforms that take an all-of-the-above approach to modernizing the acquisition system and strengthening the defense industrial base," Fanning said.
Fanning also acknowledged key lawmakers involved in moving the bill forward. "We thank Chairman Wicker and Ranking Member Reed for their work to usher this bill to passage today, and we look forward to working with them, as well as Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith, to deliver groundbreaking reforms in the final bill."
