Vast opportunities in defense manufacturing

As we launch our Defense and Munitions publication we’d like to let readers know what they can expect in the latest magazine from GIE Media’s Manufacturing Group. The defense manufacturing market continues to grow in the United States and shows no signs of slowing down. For the 2023 fiscal year, the Department of Defense (DOD) had more than a $2 trillion budget.

We’ll dive into what machines and tools are used to make everything from tanks to torpedoes. If it can be used by the military, law enforcement, first responders, or enthusiasts, you can find how it’s produced within these pages.

We’ve been able to touch on the defense market occasionally in our Aerospace Manufacturing and Design publication, but to really understand the full scope of what goes into being a defense manufacturer, we needed to broaden our focus on the overall defense market. We’re also here to help potential manufacturers enter the defense market by answering questions about obtaining government funding and contracts.

The military’s use of drones and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is on the rise, the military submarine market is valued at nearly $30 billion, and the armored vehicles market is projected to reach $34.1 billion by 2027. The United States Army, Navy, and Air Force also continue to add to their arsenals as engines, drive systems, ballistic armor, turret drives, fire control systems, armaments, countermeasure systems, command and control systems, power systems, navigation systems, ammunition handling systems, observation & display systems, hulls/frames, and more all need to be made on machines and with tools covered in Defense and Munitions.

The gun manufacturing industry also continues to boom in the U.S. as the total economic impact of the firearm and ammunition industry increased to $80.73 billion in 2022 from $19.1 billion in 2008, a 322% increase according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). We’ll let you know the latest innovations in CNC machines, grinding machines, lathes, inspection equipment, and more used to make firearms and their accessories.

These pages are just the start. If there’s something we’re not covering and you believe deserves a brighter spotlight, please let us know! You can email me at jkauffman@gie.net.