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With Congress preparing to approve a $150 billion increase in defense spending, Indiana has a rare yet transformational opportunity to expand its role in protecting America’s future. But success will not come simply nor easily. It will require strategic and aggressive engagement from our state’s leadership with national defense leaders in Washington, D.C.
Indiana is uniquely positioned to not only play a key role in the national defense strategy but to be the leading state in the nation for hosting Department of Defense missions. Indiana is home to Naval Support Activity Crane, the world’s third-largest naval installation, as well as Grissom Air Reserve Base, the 181st Intelligence Wing, the 122nd Fighter Wing and a host of cutting-edge defense contractors. That means Indiana has assets in place to take on new mission sets. Moreover, the state’s central location, proudly known as the Crossroads of America, offers unrivaled advantages in rapid access to surrounding states, geographic insulation from coastal threats and seamless connectivity that allows defense assets across the country to collaborate efficiently with Indiana’s installations.
At the state level, the Indiana General Assembly has shown bipartisan support for active-duty military personnel and Hoosier military installations. Through tax incentives, dedicated funding for the Office of Defense Development and the establishment of the Indiana General Assembly Defense Caucus, our General Assembly has laid critical groundwork for growth. But now, Hoosier leaders must go beyond state lines to showcase Indiana’s interest and readiness to grow in the defense industry.
Indiana’s current assets already play a critical role in national security. In addition to its top-tier military installations, the state is home to a powerful network of external defense stakeholders that contribute significantly to the defense ecosystem. Higher education institutions like Purdue University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Indiana University are preparing the next generation of talent for defense-focused careers in cybersecurity, aerospace engineering and intelligence analysis. Indiana also boasts a growing number of high-level defense contractors and research institutions whose innovations and capabilities directly support DoD priorities. These strengths not only give Indiana the infrastructure but also the intellectual and industrial capacity to take on expanded national security missions.
The battle for new missions, investments, and expanded roles will be fought—and won—at the federal level. Indiana’s leaders must bolster engagement with members of Congress, Pentagon officials and the White House to ensure Indiana’s installations are front and center in national defense realignment conversations.
We are fortunate to have allies positioned for influence. U.S. Rep. Mark Messmer serves on the House Armed Services Committee, and Sen. Jim Banks is a rising force on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Along with Sen. Todd Young, a longtime national defense champion, their leadership gives Indiana an amplified voice in shaping the defense priorities of the future. But their relevance must be supported by a unified and coordinated effort from state and local leaders.
Other states are already laying the groundwork for growing their defense footprint. States like Texas, Florida, Ohio, Massachusetts and Connecticut have been aggressively marketing their military assets and lobbying for new missions for years. Indiana must compete just as fiercely if Hoosiers truly wish to grow the state’s defense industry.
There is no time to waste. Countless Hoosier military leaders, defense contractors and base-community advocates are united and energized, fully committed to supporting an aggressive strategy to position Indiana as a national leader in defense. Our state leaders have a strong coalition behind them—and together, Hoosiers are uniquely positioned to move boldly in securing Indiana’s future in the national defense landscape.•
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Ritchie is vice president of government relations at RJL Solutions.
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