The following readout was provided by Department of Defense Spokesman Eric Pahon:
Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks visited Defense Industrial Base partners and the Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center November 8, to discuss the importance of manufacturing and the rapid electrification of the global transportation sector, including its implications and opportunities for DoD missions.
Dr. Hicks emphasized the Department is committed to strengthening supply chains for technologies that are essential to our future success, as evidenced by the FY22 budget includes $112 billion for research, development, testing, and evaluation—the largest R&E request ever put forth by the Department.
At the Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center, Deputy Secretary Hicks observed electric vehicle technology being developed by the Army for applications in tactical vehicles. She also highlighted the value of electrification for expanded combat capabilities.
At GM Defense, Deputy Secretary Hicks saw and drove some of the Army’s newest Infantry Squad Vehicles, built from 90% off-the-shelf components. She also learned how industry is advancing battery technology which is critical to defense applications.
During her two-day tour with stops in Michigan, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, Dr. Hicks is meeting with lawmakers and defense industrial base partners to deepen relationships and reinforce the importance of manufacturing, renewable energy, and electric vehicle technology to U.S. National Security.