National defense strategy is topic for annual NAITA FMS Industry Day Summit

HUNTSVILLE – With Foreign Military Sales playing a critical role in national security and global defense cooperation, the North Alabama International Trade Association will host the 17th annual NAITA FMS Industry Day Summit next month.

This year’s program, titled “FMS: Supporting Our National Defense Strategy,” will provide  insight into the current and future state of Security Assistance and International Acquisition through the Foreign Military Sales program.

Newly expanded to include not only the Army but also the Navy, Air Force, and Missile Defense Agency, this summit highlights the evolving importance of interservice cooperation. 

The program is set for Aug. 27-28 at Huntsville’s Von Braun Center.

“NAITA is proud to provide a platform for advancing global defense collaboration and helping U.S. industry navigate the complexities of FMS,” said NAITA President Daryl Davis. “This year’s program reflects the significant strategic role of North Alabama in international defense.”

The expanded two-day event will feature top tier speakers and panels from the Army’s lead FMS agencies.

Liz Miranda, executive deputy to the commanding general  U.S. Army Materiel Command, will kick off the program highlighting a global command with 165,000 military, civilian and contractor employees. As AMC’s highest-ranking civilian, she delivers precision sustainment and supports a global Joint Force, while advancing the Army’s transformation efforts.  

Keynote luncheon speaker Patrick H. Mason, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Defense Exports and Cooperation, will outline Army FMS priorities. Brig. Gen. Allen J. Pepper, commanding general of the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, will provide a senior leadership perspective for USASAC; and Maj. Gen. Doug Lowrey, commanding general of the Army Contracting Command, will discuss how ACC supports global Army readiness.  

Attendees will receive key updates on the FMS process and interact with FMS prime contractors, foreign liaison officers, and representatives from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and MDA. Sessions will address international hotspots and program updates from the Security Assistance Management Directorates and PEOs of Aviation and Missiles and Space. Global partnership case studies including Australia, Germany, and Poland will also be highlighted. 

Sponsorships and registration are open at https://naita.org. Corporate sponsorships and tabletop displays are available for organizations seeking visibility with a targeted defense  and international audience.