Cross-Country Evidence on the Impact of Shifting Economic and Strategic Landscapes on the Global Defense Industrial Base
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, following the end of the Cold War, the defense industrial base in the United States has witnessed many changes and continues to face new challenges. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the evolution of the U.S. and global defense industrial base in response to the shifting economic and strategic landscape. Specifically, it examines the impact of macroeconomic factors on the defense industrial bases in the United States and overseas, and discusses the trends in fiscal debts and deficits and their potential impact on military spending. Second, it discusses the impact of the shift in defense priorities toward irregular warfare and away from conventional warfare on the defense industrial base, and discusses areas of growth, as well as potential shrinkage. Third, it evaluates the ability of large defense contractors to compete with smaller firms in growing market spaces due to rising legacy overhead costs, as well as the financial impact of the strategic business base shift of large defense contractors. The analysis then assesses the development of the global defense industrial base and the role of foreign contractors in the U.S. defense industrial base. In examining global supply chain arrangements, which promote interlinkages between domestic industrial bases, the study looks at the role of exchange rate volatility and declining military spending on defense products. Finally, the analysis examines the greater overseas orientation of elements of the U.S. defense industrial base which are focused on traditional military equipment, as well as the growth of overseas defense industrial bases.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 04, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA550698
Entities
People
- Nayantara Hensel
Organizations
- United States Department of the Navy