Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1541367
64 PCB007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2025 A M E R I CA N M A D E A DVO CACY National Security and Industrial Policy Inextricably Linked by Shane W hiteside, Summit Interc onne ct Every year, the Pentagon publishes a national security strategy. The newest version is in its final stages of development. It is said to indicate China remains a top priority for deterrence, but there is a renewed emphasis on the homeland and the West- ern Hemisphere. Even with a renewed focus on homeland and the Western Hemisphere, the need for secure and trusted microelectronics remains crucial for our national and economic security. No matter where they're deployed, our men and women in uniform deserve the most secure and effective equipment we can give them, right down to the component level. Rebuilding domestic industrial capacity and strengthening supply chains is inextricably linked to national security. Our national security and defense industrial policies must be unified and complemen- tary. Without a strong and resilient industrial base, we are at a disadvantage when defending our homeland or engaging in overseas operations. I continually emphasize that we must reduce reliance on supply chains in adversarial nations, particularly China. In a recent appearance on "60 Minutes," retired Air Force Gen. Tim Haugh warned that China is targeting the U.S. military, industry, and America's critical infrastructure. How has it done this? Largely by supplying technologies embedded in both military and civil systems. Haugh said that China has the power to flip a switch and disrupt the systems we depend on for daily life and national defense. This didn't happen overnight, and there were multiple factors that allowed this to happen. First, we offshored our electronics industry. Second, we were not vigilant enough in monitoring our supply chains to detect compromised components from China and other adversarial nations. This is not a concern only for those sitting in the Pentagon or on Capitol Hill. Every CEO whose enter- prise feeds our Defense Industrial Base should be concerned and acting.

