This initiative aligns with the 2024 National Defense Industrial Strategy, which seeks to bolster domestic production capabilities and create resilient supply chains. The funding, provided under the Defense Production Act (DPA), will enable Williams International to scale up its capacity to manufacture engines crucial for both the U.S. Air Force and Navy.
Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, highlighted the strategic importance of the effort. “This initiative accelerates the capacity and deployment of precision strike weapons, equipping our armed forces with cutting-edge capabilities,” she said.
The award draws funding from the 2024 Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act and the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. By increasing the production of critical materials, the initiative strengthens the U.S. defence posture against potential threats and ensures the rapid replenishment of essential long-range weapons.
Williams International will utilise the funding to enhance its production processes and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies. The use of gas turbine engines is essential for a range of military applications, from precision strike weapons to unmanned systems, underscoring the broader impact of this investment.
Anthony Di Stasio, Director of the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) directorate, noted the broader implications of the award. “This step fortifies the domestic defence industrial base and positions the U.S. as a leader in advanced manufacturing technologies,” he stated.
The award is part of a broader effort by the DPA Purchases office, which has allocated $290.8 million across five strategic initiatives since the start of fiscal year 2025. The programme is overseen by the MCEIP directorate within the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience.