Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Vows to Rebuild America’s ‘Arsenal of Freedom’ at Reagan Forum
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth outlined a bold vision for revitalizing the United States’ military industrial base during his keynote address Saturday at the Reagan National Defense Forum, pledging to rebuild what he called the nation’s “arsenal of freedom.” Speaking at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Hegseth emphasized a strategic shift away from outdated procurement models toward rapid innovation and open systems architecture to ensure American forces remain technologically superior.
“The era of vendor-locked, prime-dominated, closed architecture, cost plus is over,” Hegseth declared in a video released ahead of the event. “We’re going to compete. We’re going to move fast. We’re going to do open architecture. We’re going to innovate. We’re going to scale. We’re going to do it at cost. Because this is a commitment to a mission.”
Hegseth’s remarks come amid increasing concerns about maintaining U.S. military dominance in the face of evolving global threats. The Department of War, which oversees the nation’s defense procurement and readiness, has recently refocused efforts on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, hypersonics, and directed energy weapons, signaling a major overhaul in strategic priorities.
“Whether you’re a vet or not who served already, all of you are serving the Department of War, the American people and the arsenal of freedom,” Hegseth said, addressing the workforce behind the scenes. “I need you to understand that, yes, we’re here for the warfighters who are out there pulling triggers on the behalf of our nation right now. Everybody here’s touched someone who serves at some point. But they can’t succeed without you.”
The Secretary underscored that the “arsenal of freedom” extends beyond uniformed personnel to include civilians across the country who contribute to out-competing, out-innovating, and out-manufacturing adversaries. This reflects a comprehensive approach to national defense that integrates industry, technology innovators, and military leadership.
The Reagan National Defense Forum, known for convening leaders from across the political spectrum, military officials, and defense industry executives, provides a platform to discuss critical issues shaping U.S. security policy. According to the forum’s organizers, the event fosters collaboration among key stakeholders to strengthen America’s defense posture.
Hegseth’s speech also highlighted the importance of equipping troops deployed in diverse and challenging environments. “American troops would not be able to do what’s required of them in far-flung places, in dangerous moments, in the dead of night without the capabilities that you will underwrite for them,” he said.
His remarks echo recent defense policy shifts that prioritize speed, flexibility, and technological edge. The Department of War’s renewed focus on open architecture systems aims to reduce dependency on single suppliers and accelerate the integration of cutting-edge technologies.
Secretary Hegseth’s commitment to rebuilding the arsenal aligns with broader efforts to maintain U.S. military superiority amid growing competition from strategic rivals. For more on the Department of War’s modernization initiatives, visit the U.S. Department of Defense website. Details on the Reagan National Defense Forum and its mission can be found at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation site.
As the United States continues to navigate complex global security challenges, Hegseth’s call to action underscores the critical role of innovation and industrial capacity in sustaining the nation’s defense capabilities. The Department of War’s approach reflects a strategic imperative to empower both military personnel and civilian contributors to secure America’s future.
For additional context on defense procurement reform and technological innovation, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment offers extensive resources. Meanwhile, updates on U.S. military readiness and modernization can be followed through the Defense.gov Newsroom.
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