Mexico factory closures hit US defence production
The Department of Defense (DoD) has confirmed that the industrial impact of COVID-19 is beginning to hit the US defence industry, particularly due to factory closures in Mexico.
The aviation supply chain, shipbuilding and small space launch sectors are the worst hit areas of the defence industrial base.
During a Pentagon press briefing on 20 April, Ellen Lord, US Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, said: ‘These companies are especially important for our US airframe production.’
In total, 106 prime contractor facilities are closed, whilst 68 others have reopened after a period of closure out of 10,509 prime defence manufacturers.
The DoD has tasked the Defense Contract Management Agency with monitoring the state of the US military’s industrial base for large prime contractors, whilst smaller prime companies are being overseen by the Defense Logistics Agency.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome]()
Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome
The new multi-layered defence system will harness AI to neutralise airborne threats and protect Europe from Russian aggression.
-
![What will next-gen counter-UAS capabilities for the US look like?]()
What will next-gen counter-UAS capabilities for the US look like?
Future US counter-uncrewed aerial system solutions are likely to require a flexible, multi-layered approach to tackle a broad spectrum of new threats as they emerge.
-
![Elbit Systems awarded $2.3 billion contract as results soar]()
Elbit Systems awarded $2.3 billion contract as results soar
The company’s order backlog as of 30 September totalled $25.2 billion and more than a third of this is scheduled to be fulfilled before the end of 2026.
-
![US military foresees growing use of 3D printing]()
US military foresees growing use of 3D printing
Advanced manufacturing has evolved to meet military requirements and now supports multiple US critical assets, including Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, F-18, F-22, F-35, Bradley, HMMWV and Patriot.
