The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has expressed its support for the prompt approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense appropriations bill. The legislation, recently revealed by Congress, includes an increase in overall funding.
Eric Fanning, President and CEO of AIA, commented on the announcement: “Through close partnership with the aerospace and defense industry, America’s military is equipped with the most advanced technology in the world — giving our warfighters an asymmetric advantage to deter our adversaries and keep our nation safe. The Fiscal Year 2026 Defense appropriations bill delivers the sufficient, predictable funding industry needs to furnish that advantage at speed and scale,” Fanning said. “The Aerospace Industries Association is particularly pleased to see continued support for multiyear procurement of critical munitions — an effort we have championed for years for the certainty it provides to industry and the long‑term capability it ensures for the Pentagon.
“We urge the swift passage of this legislation to equip our warfighters, strengthen the defense industrial base, and keep America and our allies and partners around the world secure. We thank Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, Subcommittee Chair Calvert, and Ranking Member McCollum for their continued leadership on these priorities.”
AIA represents companies within aerospace and defense sectors by advocating policies that enhance national security and promote economic growth. The association also supports manufacturers and suppliers through initiatives such as networking opportunities, access to more than 1,400 industry standards, efforts toward diversity and inclusion within its member organizations official website, as well as promoting international business ethics since leading the International Forum on Business Ethical Conduct in 2010 official website. Founded in 1919 official website, AIA is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia official website.
AIA continues to influence U.S. policy on national security matters including aviation safety, space innovation, workforce development official website, while maintaining advocacy efforts through various councils and committees within its membership network official website.
