Building a Stronger Defense: DoD's $70M Focus on Domestic Manufacturing

The Department of Defense (DoD) is investing over $70 million to boost U.S. technological innovation and domestic manufacturing to accelerate advancements in critical sectors like printed circuit boards, quantum computing, and other cutting-edge technologies.

A significant part of this investment is a $30 million grant awarded to TTM Technologies, a prominent electronics manufacturer. This funding, drawn from the Defense Production Act Title III program, aims to bolster domestic PCB production by expanding TTM’s Syracuse, New York facility. TTM is setting up a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing center, acquiring advanced equipment, and hiring an estimated 400 employees.

By producing high-quality PCBs in the U.S., TTM will contribute to securing the national supply chain for critical components, particularly in military applications like communication systems and night-vision technology, aligning with the 2024 National Defense Industrial Strategy, which emphasizes growing domestic capabilities in sectors that affect U.S. security and technological independence

In a separate announcement, the DoD has also allocated $43 million to fund equipment for research at 112 universities across 28 states. Part of the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) enables institutions to acquire essential technology to accelerate advancements in quantum computing, photonics, and novel materials to progress defense applications and foster innovation at academic institutions, building a pipeline of advanced technology for the future of national defense.

The DoD’s strategy also includes a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for new loans designed to accelerate the commercialization of critical technologies, such as autonomous robotics, cybersecurity, nanomaterials, and Open Radio Access Networks. This financing will help businesses scale up operations and bring these technologies closer to market readiness, ensuring they are available to support defense and national security needs.

Together, these investments underscore the DoD’s commitment to establishing the U.S. as a leader in defense technology and domestic manufacturing, aiming to ensure that America is well-equipped to face current and future security challenges.

Stay tuned as these transformative initiatives unfold, bringing exciting opportunities and advancements to the forefront of the U.S. technology and defense sectors.