Mary-Louise Hoffman
William Lynn, DRS Technologies‘ chief executive, said a Center for a New American Security report suggests that regulatory and industry reforms are needed to help U.S. military equipment suppliers compete in the global marketplace, Reuters reported Friday.
Andrea Shalal writes that Lynn helped spearhead a CNAS task force that worked to assess the future of defense sector.
CNAS’ report says U.S. export controls are harming the ability of domestic firms to introduce unmanned aerial systems and infrared military weapons in overseas markets, according to Reuters.
“We’re at another tipping point in the evolution of the defense industry,” Lynn told Reuters in a recent interview.
“Our not exporting it doesn’t mean it’s not available. It just means U.S. companies aren’t getting the business, and U.S. jobs aren’t being put to use,” he added, according to Shalal’s article.
The CNAS has called on the government to relax controls on weapon exports, communicate with industry about the Pentagon’s technology requirements and develop measures to protect businesses’ intellectual property rights.
Andy Lowery, president of virtual reality software developer DAQRI, said defense firms look to new technologies to help improve product quality and address cost issues, according to Shalal’s article.
