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Michigan Positions Itself as America's Hub for Advanced Defense Innovation

Defence Technology

Business Honor - Michigan: Hub for Defense Innovation

Business Honor
16 August, 2025

Michigan leverages AI, 3D printing, and robotics to reshape defense technology.

Michigan is ready to be America's hub of advanced defense technology. The state, long known as a manufacturing giant, now aims to shift its focus from traditional military equipment to new defense technologies like drones, artificial intelligence, and 3D-printed missile parts. Among the centers of this change is the Detroit Arsenal in Warren, where the Army is using virtual reality to simulate weapons of the future and 3D printing to rapidly produce components for systems such as the Patriot missile.

The bid to become the nation's "Arsenal of Innovation" comes with a new wave of technology, powered by robotics and AI. Indeed, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll visited Michigan to observe the state's growing defense technology sector. Driscoll visited the Ground Vehicle Systems Center in Warren, where engineers are working on drones, tanks, and other advanced military systems. Such technology helps to narrow the gap between concept and deployment, which is needed for modern warfare.

The Newlab incubator, located in Detroit is becoming a primary enabler of innovation. Backed by deep investment, it's the residence of over 150 companies that are experts in military technology. These companies are creating new defense technologies that can rapidly be produced owing to Michigan's manufacturing expertise and advanced technologies.

Furthermore, the Army is also evolving, with a focus on speed and rapid acquisition. Among these changes are some of the recent ones, such as halting production of older tanks and investing in lighter and more agile vehicles like the Infantry Squad Vehicle being manufactured by GM Defense, which highlight Michigan's position in modernizing the US military. As the Army expedites its focus on speed and adaptability in defense, Michigan's advanced manufacturing base is ready to be at the forefront of the next warfare revolution. With innovation and experienced labor together, Michigan can lead the cutting edge of defense technology.