Auburn University’s Applied Research Center in Huntsville recently hosted a roundtable discussion featuring top defense industry leaders and members of the U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
The goal of the event, according to officials, was to address the serious need to grow production capacity, scale innovation, and secure supply chains within the U.S. Defense Industrial Base.
U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan, who chairs the committee and led the roundtable, praised the Rocket City’s increasing role in the field of national defense.
“It was a privilege to visit Huntsville and engage with local leaders and industry experts on the pressing challenges facing our nation’s defense capabilities,” said Moolenaar.
“Huntsville’s growing role in missile defense and hypersonic technologies is crucial to securing America’s future. The conversations we had about expanding production capacity, accelerating innovation, and strengthening supply chains are essential in countering the threats posed by China’s military ambitions. I look forward to continuing to work with these dedicated professionals to ensure that our national security remains strong, resilient, and ready to meet any challenge.”
Participants from the industry at the event included senior leaders from RTX, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, and the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA). Company representatives shared insights on the challenges they face in ramping up production, integrating emerging technologies, and mitigating foreign dependencies—particularly on China—for critical materials.
Moolenaar was joined during the roundtable by fellow committee members U.S. Reps. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) and Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) of Alabama.
“I want to thank Auburn for making this meeting possible,” Strong said, “and for their continued partnership with our community on the important national security work we do here in Huntsville.”
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
