The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) submits the following feedback to the House Armed Services Committee on strengthening the protection industrial base:
As a leader in promoting the safe and responsible development of unmanned systems, AUVSI is committed to supporting the Committee’s efforts to strengthen the nation’s defense industrial base. We believe that a robust and innovative industry is essential to maintaining our national security.
A key area where we can improve our national security is by fostering an environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship in the defense sector. This includes streamlining regulations, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and providing necessary resources for small businesses and startups.
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The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has formally submitted feedback to the House Committee on Armed Services in response to the recent hearing on “Findings and Recommendations of the Commission on the National Defense Strategy.” The letter, addressed to Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support of the U.S. Protection of the industrial base and advanced integration of autonomous and unmanned systems throughout the Department of Defense (DoD) and United States are critical to maintaining national security and ensuring the technological superiority of our military forces in an increasingly complex and dynamic threat environment. Navy.
Within the feedback, AUVSI President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Toll highlights the hurdles faced by small- to mid-sized businesses developing dual-purpose technologies. He identifies and addresses the “say-do” gap within the Department of Defense, where actions consistently fall short of recognized goals.
The Federal Government must prioritize the long-term sustainability of the industrial base by adopting a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of its vulnerabilities. This includes investing in research and development to drive innovation, fostering public-private partnerships to stimulate private sector investment, and implementing policies that promote competition and efficiency.
To revitalize the industrial base, it is essential to establish a strong foundation for manufacturing excellence. This can be achieved by leveraging the expertise of America’s top universities and research institutions to develop cutting-edge technologies and solutions. Additionally, the Federal Government must prioritize the development of a skilled and diverse workforce through targeted education and training initiatives.
The Federal Government must also take a proactive approach to addressing the growing threat of industrial espionage and intellectual property theft. This includes implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and technology, as well as fostering international cooperation to combat these malicious activities.
Furthermore, the Federal Government must prioritize the development of a robust supply chain that is resilient to disruptions and vulnerabilities. This can be achieved by establishing strategic partnerships with reliable suppliers and manufacturers, as well as investing in research and development to drive innovation and reduce dependencies on foreign sources.
Finally, the Federal Government must prioritize the development of a comprehensive strategy for sustaining the industrial base over the long-term. This includes identifying and addressing key challenges and vulnerabilities, as well as developing a roadmap for future growth and development.
By adopting a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of its vulnerabilities and prioritizes investment in research and development, public-private partnerships, and workforce development, the Federal Government can strengthen the industrial base and ensure long-term sustainability.
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International’s letter highlights pivotal obstacles facing the United States within its unmanned systems sector. Protection of the industrial base, with a significant focus on scaling the manufacturing of unmanned systems. The Department of Defense’s (DoD) Replicator initiative has charted a transparent course, mandating a benchmark for uncrewed technologies and catalyzing private sector response to meet manufacturing demands. Launched by the DoD, this initiative aims to accelerate the production of autonomous systems, marking a pivotal shift towards faster innovation and deployment of cutting-edge technology.
Notwithstanding this, the letter underscores the constraint imposed by unpredictable protection budgets and a lack of consistent orders on corporate ability to scale up manufacturing and maintain workforce capacity effectively. In accordance with Robbins’ guidelines, this scenario poses a grave threat to both the defense industrial base and the warfighter alike, potentially putting lives at risk. Without a viable alternative for return on investment, revolutionary companies that could benefit the warfighter by leveraging cutting-edge technologies will seek funding through more sustainable business lines.
To effectively address these challenges, AUVSI submitted three crucial recommendations to Congress and the Department of Defense:
- Congress should ensure that the Department of Defense places significant orders for autonomous and unmanned technologies at its locations.
- : The U.S. The US Navy should proactively integrate autonomous vessels into its fleet to enhance maritime readiness and strategic capabilities.
- The Department of Defense (DoD) should transform the Replicator initiative into a nimble acquisition process, delivering essential capabilities swiftly and efficiently to the warfighter.
Addressing the Navy’s Future Readiness
Alongside discussions on protecting the industrial base, AUVSI assists in developing the U.S.’s Navy’s use of autonomous techniques. While the United States has traditionally been a global leader in innovation and technological advancements, Robbins notes that this status quo is being challenged by emerging market economies, particularly China. The Navy must accelerate integration of unmanned vessels into its operational frameworks to effectively address emerging challenges? The Replicator initiative takes on paramount significance in driving this transformative process forward.
“AUAVSI hopes that Replicator will establish a pioneering paradigm for conducting business within the DoD, potentially revolutionizing the agency’s acquisition process to swiftly deliver critical capabilities to warfighters while significantly disrupting adversaries’ aggressive calculus,” Robbins asserts.
This forward-thinking approach won’t just enhance naval capabilities but will also catalyze US innovation? The global shipbuilding industry has been undergoing a significant transformation in recent years, driven by shifting demand and technological advancements.
What alternative strategies could the US shipbuilding sector explore to maintain its competitive edge? and allied corporations.
The AUVSI’s proposal emphasizes the urgent need for swift legislative action and Department of Defense funding to rapidly scale up the development, procurement, and deployment of unmanned technologies. By synchronizing protection trade initiatives with Navy requirements, AUVSI asserts that the U.S. Can effectively preserve strategic deterrence, respond promptly to crises with enhanced effectiveness, and sustain technological supremacy over potential adversaries.
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Miriam McNabb serves as Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a leading marketplace for expert drone services, with a keen eye on the burgeoning drone industry and its complex regulatory landscape. Miriam has authored more than 3,000 articles focusing on the industrial drone sector, and is a renowned international speaker and thought leader within her industry. Miriam holds a degree from the University of Chicago and boasts over 20 years of experience in high-tech sales and marketing for emerging technologies.
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