Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning responded to the Pentagon’s 2026 National Defense Strategy, highlighting the defense industrial base as a key strategic asset. In his statement, Fanning said, “The National Defense Strategy correctly treats the defense industrial base as a strategic capability in its own right and calls for urgent action to ‘mobilize, renew, and secure’ it. Our industry will meet this moment. Restoring industrial capacity, accelerating the development of the most advanced technologies, and ensuring the United States maintains the most capable and dominant military in the world are essential.
“We agree this effort will require a full-scale, sustained national mobilization. That includes timely and substantial appropriations, modernized and streamlined regulatory processes, a true focus on the workforce, and resilient and diversified supply chains.”
The AIA represents companies across aerospace and defense sectors by advocating for policies that support national security objectives while also encouraging economic growth among suppliers and manufacturers. The association has played a role in shaping U.S. policy on issues such as aviation safety, space innovation, workforce development, and international business ethics since its founding in 1919 according to its official website.
Based in Arlington, Virginia the organization provides networking opportunities through councils and committees for industry professionals while supporting diversity initiatives to improve representation within aerospace fields as detailed by AIA. The association continues to push for policies that strengthen national security infrastructure by promoting innovation throughout American aerospace manufacturing and supporting global business standards.
