The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) held its yearly Global Force Symposium & Exposition at the Von Braun Center from March 25-27.

AUSA 2025 brought together top U.S. Army leaders, defense contractors, and industry innovators in Huntsville for a three-day event. During that time, attendees could attend keynote addresses and panel discussions and view exhibits highlighting advancements in military defense, technology, and more.

To kick off the event, AUSA’s President and CEO, Retired Army General Robert B. Brown, shared the organization’s goals for the event and its relationship with the U.S. Army.

Brown also emphasized the urgency of staying ahead in an evolving global landscape.

“By modernizing equipment, enhancing training, and refining operational concepts at the pace required by the rapid changes of the character of warfare, the Army is strengthening its ability to deter adversaries, respond to crises, and maintain overmatch and multi-domain operations,” Brown said.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle addressed the active and retired service members at the session.

“You honor us by coming to Huntsville, and we are so glad to have you here in our town. Thank you for what you have done for this country,” Battle said.

David R. Fitzgerald, the Army’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Management Officer, spoke about the Army’s commitment to equip its soldiers with cutting-edge capabilities.

Fitzgerald noted that while American troops are second to none, they must be backed by the full power of U.S. innovation to maintain a decisive edge on the battlefield.

“We have the absolute best soldiers in the world. I would put an American soldier up against anyone, anytime, anywhere. But it’s our mandate to ensure that those warfighters have the very best capabilities that American ingenuity can provide to deter and defeat all comers,” Fitzgerald said.

The Huntsville Business Journal spent a day walking the event floor and talking to exhibitors.

Here’s what they had to say:

Quantum Systems

Quantum Systems specializes in developing, designing, and producing advanced multi-sensor unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that collect aerial intelligence for the professional user.

At the show, the company launched its newest product, Vector AI.

Vector AI is a next-generation military drone equipped with real-time artificial intelligence for autonomous target tracking and object recognition. It is designed to support frontline forces with extended ISR capabilities, even in GPS—or comms-denied environments.

Quantam’s CEO, Dave Sharpin, emphasized his company’s commitment to being an active member of the Huntsville community and their ongoing business with the Army.

“We’re here to do business with the Army in the Huntsville area,” said Sharpin.

Sharpin says Quantum Systems has a small office in Huntsville and would like to grow alongside the community.

Boeing

Headquartered in Huntsville, Boeing’s Missile and Weapon Systems Division has been the prime contractor for the Missile Defense Agency since its inception.

Boeing was excited to share a new milestone: its production of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) seekers reached an all-time high in 2024.

Jim Leary, Boeing’s Executive Director, Business Development, Weapon Systems, also mentioned the company’s upcoming completion of its new 35,000-square-foot factory expansion this spring.

Once the facility is fully open, this expansion will allow Boeing to increase the future production capacity of the (PAC-3) seekers.

“We’re really proud of the way we’re expanding the facility, which means more jobs for the local community and a little more reputation for the great city of Huntsville, Alabama,” Leary said.

KBR

KBR is a global government contractor that provides technology and engineering solutions to the U.S. Army and has a significant presence in Huntsville.

KBR’s Director of Strategic Growth and Customer Advocacy, Kevin Moore, says his company is focused on understanding the Army’s evolving requirements and developing technologies to address them.

“KBR has invested in people and in technology and is looking at pushing that boundary of bringing in new technology and providing solutions that matter for the U.S. Army,” Moore said.

Moore also shared that KBR works closely with Alabama’s Congressional delegation, including Huntsville’s Congressman, Dale Strong. The company keeps the legislators informed of the technologies they have in place concerning homeland defense.

SRC, Inc.

SRC, Inc. is a not-for-profit aerospace and defense company that serves the Army through research and development, manufacturing, and the provision of innovative radars and other technologies.

SRC’s Assistant Vice President of International Business, Asif Moosa, said the AUSA symposium & expo is an excellent way for the company to strengthen relationships with local customers and partners.

He also emphasized the importance of engaging face-to-face to understand operational challenges better and collaborate on tailored solutions.

“A lot of our customers are here in the Huntsville area. It is a tremendous opportunity to meet with not only the end customers and the end users, but also our partners who are working in this area and be able to meet with them, understand their concerns, and be able to discuss potential solutions,” Moosa said.

Other exhibitors with Huntsville offices included BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Akima, General Dynamics, Invariant Corporation, AeroVironment Inc., and others.