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Bill Lynn, DRS Technologies and Finmeccanica North America chief executive officer, urges the U.S. government and the defense industry to collaborate on establishing acquisition reform, fostering globalization and consolidating industry operations.
Lynn, who is a former deputy secretary of the Defense Department, wrote Tuesday in Breaking Defense that the above actions are expected to ensure that the U.S. military maintains a technological advantage.
“Combined with sharp declines in defense spending, today’s defense industry is chasing a declining share of a declining market with fewer funds allocated for developing the next-generation technology which the Pentagon needs,” he said.
He also noted that the military is now importing commercial technology while it has historically exported its technology to the commercial market.
Through acquisition reform, Lynn hopes that the forces will have improved access to technology available commercially to keep pace with the latest developments.
He also encourages joint technology development with U.S. allies and partners, a streamlined industry and an expanded supplier base.
“Ultimately, the Pentagon and our industry must let global free-market instincts prevail. That is the best and only way to harness the benefits of change and to increase U.S. technological strength,” he said.
