Capacity Is the New Capability
By Sam Mehta
President of the Space & Mission Systems and Communications & Spectrum Dominance segments
The global security landscape is evolving rapidly, with little regard for traditional timelines and ideal operational conditions. Recent tensions in Iran serve as a stark reminder that conflicts can arise suddenly, necessitating swift and effective responses. While U.S. forces have exhibited precision and discipline, it is important to recognize that this capability gap may not remain consistent across all theaters of operation.
The situation in Ukraine has highlighted a more complex reality: threats from swarms of drones, ongoing electronic warfare, and adversaries that are adapting at a pace quicker than traditional procurement processes can accommodate. This dynamic underscores the need for U.S. and allied forces to be prepared for a rapidly changing battlefield, prompting a shift in expectations from the defense industry. The Department of War (DoW) and its allies are demanding capabilities that are proven, scalable, and available without delay.
In order to align with the DoW’s changing strategies, the defense industry must be agile, scale production intelligently, and expedite capabilities into the hands of operational teams.
These three priorities are essential for maintaining operational relevance.
Adapt
The demand for defense capabilities is shifting swiftly across various regions and mission areas. There is a growing interest in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), assured communications, and space-based assets, as nations are increasing their defense spending. To keep pace with evolving operational realities and feedback from frontline operations, systems must undergo rapid evolution.
Scale
The industry is required to provide capabilities and lethality in the volumes necessary to meet operational demands. The focus has shifted away from prototyping; Congress and the administration are now prioritizing industrial capacity as a matter of national security. This is evidenced by the adoption of multi-year procurement contracts, expedited contracting pathways, and digital engineering initiatives aimed at enhancing production throughput.
Accelerate
Speed is crucial at every phase – from development and production to timely software updates for in-service systems. The DoW is making strides in policy and strategy, but it is imperative that these principles translate into actionable practices. The military cannot afford to wait years for capability enhancements while adversaries are able to adapt in mere months. In this landscape, production speed equates to combat power.
Read Full Article in ‘Breaking Defense’
Source: L3Harris (2026-06-22)
