QUOTE: Even a cursory reading of the news today, with escalating tensions throughout the world, from the streets of Paris to the international trade routes in the South China Sea, reinforces the need for sound, strategic and reliable investment in national security.
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Incoming Chairman of the Board of Governors, Aerospace Industries Association
We live in a world today of unparalleled opportunity — one where new technologies and innovative ideas have the potential to change the way we live, work and even travel to other worlds. The aerospace and defense industry is leading the way as a major contributor to US innovation, economic growth, and quality of life.
In today’s world of slow but steady economic recovery, coupled with an increasingly challenging global security environment, our industry — with more than 604,000 talented men and women — is also responsible for driving security, stability and technological breakthroughs.
As CEO of Lockheed Martin, I continue to seek opportunities to apply our technology and expertise to the challenges that will define the 21st century. Launching satellites that will give cars the data they need to drive themselves, creating aircraft that can travel around the world faster than ever, using remotely– controlled aircraft to fight forest fires, and even establishing a human presence on Mars — all of these innovative breakthroughs are made possible by the ingenuity of today’s aerospace and defense industry.
However, even a cursory reading of the news today, with escalating tensions throughout the world, from the streets of Paris to the international trade routes in the South China Sea, reinforces the need for sound, strategic and reliable investment in national security. With these challenges in mind, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is focused on four key goals to help ensure the US remains the leader in aerospace and defense while delivering the technological and economic benefits of our industry.
First, we want to promote policies and budgets that strengthen our vital industry and grow the US economy. This means working to promote robust, balanced and stable US defense spending, something that has taken a significant step forward this year. While the recent budget agreement falls a bit short on overall funding levels, it is a welcome step in providing some budget stability and relief from sequestration for the next two years.
Second, we need to improve our industry’s infrastructure and find ways to retain and enhance our nation’s critical base of industry. On a global level, we will continue to advocate for interoperability, integration and synchronization — the ability to work better together enhances performance and safety across the industry. This is critical to protecting lives — and our nation’s technological edge at a time when adversaries are investing significantly to close that gap.
Third, we must achieve a level playing field for US industry in the global marketplace. As an industry leader who spends significant time meeting with international customers, I continue to see impediments to US industry in the overseas markets. We must find ways to improve industry-government collaboration in support of aerospace and defense trade globally.
And fourth, we are committed to enhancing the safety and security of the products our industry produces. AIA intends to work with the FAA to accelerate and streamline the FAA’s certification process for aviation products going to market and to shorten the review process. We will also continue to push for better coordination between relevant government agencies and AIA members — all with the goal of promoting a truly global commercial market.
By focusing on these priorities, we can keep our nation and its economy strong, while delivering the benefits of our innovative technologies to our customers around the world. And that’s just good business — for everyone.
Hewson is Lockheed Martin chairman, president and CEO, and incoming chairman of the Aerospace Industries Association’s board of governors.
Commentary: What’s Needed To Support Aerospace, Defense Breakthroughs
