Hegseth to Address Rebuilding ‘Arsenal of Freedom’ at Reagan National Defense Forum

Secretary of War Hegseth to Outline “Arsenal of Freedom” Vision at Reagan Defense Forum

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is set to deliver a keynote address on rebuilding America’s “Arsenal of Freedom” at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California on Saturday. The speech, scheduled for 2:50 p.m. ET, will outline the administration’s defense modernization strategy at the high-profile event hosted at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

In a video shared on social media ahead of his address, Hegseth previewed key elements of his vision, declaring an end to traditional defense procurement models. “The era of vendor-locked, prime-dominated, closed architecture, cost plus is over,” Hegseth stated. “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.”

The Secretary’s remarks signal a significant shift in the Pentagon’s approach to defense contracting, potentially disrupting established relationships with major defense contractors in favor of more agile, cost-effective procurement methods. This change comes amid growing concerns about America’s military readiness in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

During his tour of defense facilities in California, Hegseth emphasized the critical role played by civilian defense workers in supporting American troops. “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,” he told facility personnel. “I need you to understand that yes, we’re here for the war fighters who are out there pulling triggers on the behalf of our nation right now… But they can’t succeed without you.”

The Secretary’s emphasis on an “Arsenal of Freedom” evokes historical parallels to President Franklin Roosevelt’s characterization of America as the “Arsenal of Democracy” during World War II, when U.S. industrial capacity was mobilized to support Allied forces. Hegseth’s revival of this concept suggests a renewed focus on domestic military production capabilities.

This address comes as the Department of War undergoes a major strategic overhaul, with increased emphasis on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, and directed energy systems. These priorities represent a pivot toward capabilities designed to counter advances made by strategic competitors like China and Russia.

The Reagan National Defense Forum serves as a high-profile platform for Hegseth’s message, bringing together influential figures from across the defense establishment. The event attracts congressional leaders, administration officials, military commanders, defense industry executives, and policy experts to discuss America’s defense posture and challenges.

Other notable speakers at Saturday’s forum included Russell Vought, Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget; Representative Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Emil Michael, U.S. Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering; and Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The Department of War’s renewed focus on military modernization and domestic manufacturing comes amid heightened international tensions and evolving security challenges. The administration’s approach aims to address concerns about America’s ability to maintain technological superiority and respond to emerging threats.

According to the forum’s organizers, the annual gathering serves to “review and assess policies that strengthen America’s national defense in the context of the global threat environment.” Hegseth’s keynote is expected to outline concrete steps toward rebuilding American military capabilities while fostering a more competitive and innovative defense industrial base.

As global military competition intensifies, particularly with China’s rapid military modernization and Russia’s continued aggression in Europe, Hegseth’s “Arsenal of Freedom” vision represents an attempt to reposition American defense capabilities for a new era of great power competition.