For decades, America’s defense industrial base has been concentrated along the coasts. That model has served our nation well, but today’s national security environment calls for something more resilient. I believe one of the greatest opportunities for strengthening America’s defense industrial base lies in what I call the Northern Tier Defense Corridor.
Stretching across Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa, this region already possesses many of the ingredients needed to become one of the nation’s premier defense innovation ecosystems:
• Strategic military installations supporting the nuclear deterrent, B-21 Raider, intelligence, cyber, autonomous systems and space missions.
• World-class universities and research institutions developing the next generation of dual-use technologies.
• A growing base of advanced manufacturers, aerospace companies, energy innovators, and technology startups.
• A highly skilled workforce rooted in advanced manufacturing, engineering, agriculture, cybersecurity, and military service.
• Business-friendly states with the capacity to grow manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, and attract long-term investment.
Recent developments, including DIU OnRamp Hubs in MN & MT, the Defense Alliance, GrandSKY and the SD Defense Initiative demonstrate that momentum is already building across the region.
The opportunity before us extends beyond attracting additional defense contractors. It is about creating an integrated regional ecosystem where military installations, industry, academia, investors, entrepreneurs and government collaborate to accelerate innovation and deliver capability to the warfighter.
The future of the defense industrial base will be built through regional partnerships, not state boundaries. I hope leaders across all stakeholders will continue working together to advance this vision. The Northern Tier Defense Corridor already has the assets. The opportunity now is to connect them more intentionally.
What should be our next priorities? How can industry, government, regional economic development, academia, investors, military leaders, and organizations like NDIA and DIU work together to accelerate the Northern Tier Defense Corridor? I’d welcome your ideas, your perspective, and the opportunity to collaborate.
