Joint Allied Procurement, Supply Chains a Shot to Counter China
The Five Eyes Intelligence alliance has supply chains in its sights. A panel of representatives for the alliance recommends that the United States re-examine its acquisition, procurement, and sustainment practices. They further recommend a joint task force to, in the words of retired Vice Adm. Robert Thomas Jr., 'shepherd and actualize emerging technologies' as a way of mitigating national security and economic concerns.
Such reforms would have significant implications for industries operating at the intersection of advanced technologies, like semiconductors and AI, and defense. Defense contractors would be faced with new opportunities for international, allied collaboration, as well as changes in intellectual property rights. Greater interoperability between the allies, as well as lessened dependence on Chinese supply chains, would have pervasive effects on the industry's engagement with international science and technology infrastructure.