The Health and Readiness of the Defense Industrial Base

Abstract：For the first time, because of the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the sustained challenges noted in past reports, our Vital Signs study has scored the health of the defense industrial base below a passing grade. As this report reflects the challenging environment in which defense companies operate — rather than the companies themselves — this score serves as a wake-up call to all who care about the state of our national security. While the COVID- 19 pandemic continues, so does the critical work of the defense industry. The pandemic reinforces the fact that our defense industrial base is not isolated from the American economy or the global business environment: now, more than ever, we must pay heed to the health of our base as it serves our warfighters.