The review is intended to identify and address potential weak points in the defense manufacturing base including companies that could go out of business and leave gaps in the supply chain for U.S. weapons systems, said Peter Navarro, the White House National Trade Council director.
The executive order asked for recommendations on possible legislative, regulatory and policy changes that would improve and support the defense industry, calling it a "significant national priority."
"America's defense industrial base is now facing increasing gaps in its capabilities," Navarro said. "There's just one company in the U.S. that can repair propellers for Navy submarines," he added in a briefing with reporters.
Defense analyst Howard Rubel of the investment bank Jefferies & Co said the free market has so far done a reasonably good job. "We don't want to invest in buggy whip suppliers just because there is only one (supplier)." He added that it is important to recognize that the United States can sometimes buy more cheaply from its allies.
