Hegseth received briefings on SAOC at the company’s Aviation Innovation and Technology Center. The aircraft is intended to maintain critical airborne command, control and communications for the president and senior national security leaders during national emergencies.
“We live on timelines today that require speed and scale,” Hegseth said. He cited SNC’s work on the airborne command center while outlining plans to bring more companies into major defense programs.
“The Department of War is kicking the door wide open for commercial disruptors, nontraditional innovators and venture-backed builders. We are actively creating the next generation of defense prime contractors.”
SNC CEO and owner Fatih Ozmen said Hegseth’s acquisition priorities reflected principles the company had followed for decades. He argued that access to system architectures, data and repair rights could help customers introduce new technology and increase competition.
“As a non-OEM integrator, we believe open architectures, shared data rights and the right to repair are essential to unlocking innovation and strengthening national security. Programs like SAOC demonstrate how greater competition and customer choice can deliver advanced capabilities and build a stronger and more resilient industrial base.”
The visit also covered SNC’s connectivity upgrades for the U.S. Air Force’s KC-46 fleet and air defense solutions for protecting critical personnel and assets. Hegseth reviewed Degraded Visual Environment technology, which allows pilots to see through dust, fog and snowstorms.
SNC’s AEGIR unmanned surface vessel was also on display. The company described the vessel as operationally proven.
Hegseth then addressed approximately 400 Dayton-area employees alongside local, state and national leaders. His remarks were streamed to nearly 5,000 SNC personnel across the United States.
“We’re all part of the same fight, truly shoulder to shoulder,” he told employees. “While our warriors are the tip of the spear, you are the ones who help sharpen them.”
