Newsroom

AIA Issues Report on Defense Investment

May 24, 2011

Defense investment accounts not only support current operations, they also ensure that our troops will always have the tactical advantage of technological superiority, according to a new report released by AIA.

“We all recognize the need to address the nation’s debt and deficit spending,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey at a Senate Aerospace Luncheon. “On the surface, defense investments are easy reductions. But with a worldwide mission and a limited number of service members, we must make up in technological capability what we lack in numbers.”

The report, Defense Investment: Finding the Right Balance, takes a historical look at spending in the investment accounts and the ebb and flow of spending since the 1970s. It concludes that our nation and its military members pay a large price when we decrease spending on procurement and research and development.

“Americans can be proud that the products used by men and women in uniform are the best in the world,” Blakey said. “These systems provide our military with an unparalleled battlefield advantage—they certainly deserve no less.”

The report recommends 35 percent of the budget be devoted to modernization accounts, as a prudent and affordable level for supporting the force of today and the future.

“The U.S. defense industry remains a key strategic asset for the United States,” Blakey said. “However, it is an asset that must be managed, maintained and sustained to ensure our service members are equipped to succeed under the most demanding circumstances.”

The report is available at: http://www.aia-aerospace.org/economics/reports_white_papers/