On October 28, the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) welcomed leaders from the U.S. government, Congress, and the defense industry for the 2024 AUKUS Industry Forum, the first event of its kind in the state.

The forum, held on UAH’s campus, focused on how the AUKUS trilateral security pact—uniting Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—will affect Alabama’s defense and technology sectors, particularly in North Alabama.

The event featured panels with officials from the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State (DOS), offering attendees insights into the evolving role of the defense industry within the AUKUS alliance.

Alabama Representatives Robert Aderholt (AL-04) and Dale Strong (AL-05) also addressed the gathering, underscoring the significance of AUKUS in bolstering national security and its potential impact on local jobs and innovation.

“The AUKUS Industry Forum connected industry partners with Congress and Administration officials who are focused on confronting the threats of the 21st century,” said Rep. Aderholt.

Rep. Strong echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the pride North Alabama takes in its defense contributions.

“The AUKUS forum provided a great opportunity to showcase our region’s role in securing our country and its allies. Partnering with Australia and the United Kingdom benefits our community, as these essential jobs and the expertise to develop defense assets are located right here,” he said.

Brian Burton, Senior Advisor for International & Industry Engagement with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (OUSD) for Acquisition and Sustainment, moderated a panel with experts from the DOD and DOS, including:

Abigail Desjardins, Deputy Chief of Global Partnerships, DIU
Dr. Peter Highnam, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, OUSD Research & Engineering
Dr. Philip Kao, Foreign Affairs Officer, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, DOS
Damon Smith, Foreign Affairs Officer, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls Policy, DOS

The panel discussed potential updates to U.S. export control laws, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), that could facilitate smoother defense cooperation with the AUKUS allies. “Changes to ITAR are critical to enhancing defense trade across our three countries and advancing the AUKUS strategy,” noted Smith.

Rep. Aderholt emphasized the need to streamline these regulatory processes to allow the defense industry greater flexibility.

“My hope is that AUKUS will be a new way of doing business, freeing our defense industry from bureaucratic constraints so they can act decisively for national security in this new age,” he said.

This shift in policy holds significant implications for Huntsville, recognized as one of the nation’s fastest-growing tech hubs with a robust aerospace and defense presence.

“The growth of technology companies in Huntsville has outpaced much of the country,” noted Dr. Robert Lindquist, UAH’s Vice President for Research and Economic Development. He highlighted that Huntsville, alongside Silicon Valley, Boston, and North Carolina’s Research Triangle, is a major center for research and development in the U.S.

UAH, located within Cummings Research Park—the second-largest research park in the country and the fourth largest globally—plays a central role in this ecosystem. With access to over 300 high-tech companies and collaborations with government agencies, UAH has solidified its position as a leader in aerospace and defense research. Achieving an R1 Carnegie classification for “Very high research activity,” UAH ranks among the top public research universities in the nation.

Dr. Lindquist expressed pride in UAH’s role in advancing technological capabilities across sectors.

“Hosting the AUKUS Industry Forum underscores our commitment to innovation and the vital connections between industry and government,” he said. “We’re honored to be part of such an impactful initiative, bringing our industry partners in Huntsville and North Alabama into discussions that shape the future of global defense.”