Hudson Institute Events Podcast

Assistant Secretary of War Michael Cadenazzi on Rebooting America’s Defense Industrial Base

Feb 12, 2026
Michael Cadenazzi, Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy, leads efforts to rebuild U.S. defense manufacturing. He discusses supply-chain resilience, munitions and battery production, workforce and training shortages, multi-year contracts to stabilize demand, and partnering with allies and industry to scale capacity quickly.
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ADVICE

Empower Portfolio Acquisition Executives

  • Empower portfolio acquisition executives to trade schedule, cost, and scope across programs for better operational outcomes.
  • Back their authority with Hill support and clear business-case communications.
ADVICE

Layer Funds To Finance Strategic Projects

  • Combine IBAS funds, DPA, and Office of Strategic Capital loans to structure layered deals for critical minerals and production.
  • Use debt, grants, and private capital together to make projects financeable.
INSIGHT

Demand Certainty Trumps Grants

  • Industry primarily wants a stable, long-term demand signal more than grants.
  • Certainty of purchase drives private investment and operational improvements at the shop floor.
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