Defense Industry Associations Hold Roundtable with Defense Secretary Carter, Under Secretary Kendall

Arlington, VA – Today the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) partnered with Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and Professional Services Council (PSC) to conduct a roundtable discussion with 35 defense industry CEOs and Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L) Frank Kendall to discuss current and future national security priorities, including the FY17 budget submission, Goldwater-Nichols reform, foreign military sales and Secretary Carter’s innovation initiatives.

 

“We had a very constructive conversation, and it’s always good to hear from industry,” said Under Secretary Kendall, who has been instrumental in ensuring that ongoing collaboration occurs between industry and government.

 

Peter Cook, spokesman, shared this comment from Secretary Carter, “It’s important that the Department maintains a strong and long-standing partnership with the defense industry. Their employees are part of the Department of Defense mission to keep our country safe and secure.”

 

“We are all committed to a strong national defense and it is important to have an ongoing open and productive dialogue,” said NDIA President and CEO Gen. Craig McKinley, USAF (Ret.). “We appreciate Secretary Carter and Under Secretary Kendall for taking a deep dive into issues of significant importance and appreciate their candor. This was a constructive and informative meeting, and we look forward to further conversations to ensure we all work together in the best interest of our national security.”