Tech Official Says Manufacturing Advances Are Key to National Security

Steven G. Wax, acting deputy chief technology officer for science and technology at the Pentagon, emphasized the crucial role of advances in manufacturing capabilities in the Defense Department's national security strategy. Speaking at the America Makes Members Meeting Exchange, Wax highlighted that each of the 14 critical technology areas outlined in the National Defense Science and Technology Strategy relies heavily on cutting-edge manufacturing processes from the industrial base. He stressed the significance of additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, in enabling the production of critical capabilities affordably in areas such as advanced materials, hypersonics, space technology, renewable energy, directed energy, and microelectronics. The close collaboration between the public and private sectors is deemed essential for achieving the necessary manufacturing advancements. The America Makes initiative has been instrumental in advancing additive manufacturing technology and supporting defense-related projects.

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