Last week, the the ASAE and U.S. Industry gathered for three days of dynamic engagement at the Army Worldwide Security Assistance Conference, presented by AUVSI and DASA(DEC). Attendees gained valuable insights, connected with key industry and government leaders, and left with a deeper understanding of the evolving security assistance landscape.

Key Takeaways from AWSAC 2025

Day 1: Aligning Industry & Government for Stronger Security Cooperation

AWSAC 2025 opened with critical discussions on Army Security Assistance & Foreign Military Sales (FMS). A highlight was the Congressional Perspective | Achieving Alignment panel, where industry and congressional leaders tackled the challenge of aligning defense requirements with industry capabilities.

• Scaling up production and industrial contracts is crucial to driving down costs and signaling demand.
• 50% of the DoD budget goes to RDT&E, but transitioning from development to procurement remains a hurdle.
• To maintain a competitive edge, DoD must streamline acquisition and accelerate procurement timelines—"We need to move forward."

Day 2: A Reality Check on Foreign Military Sales

A standout panel delivered a critical message: our FMS partners need U.S. capabilities now—not years from now. While the U.S. operates within structured procurement timelines, our allies face urgent and evolving threats that demand immediate solutions.

As one panelist put it: "Their houses are on fire, and we’re telling them the hose will arrive in a year."

Beyond this session, leaders convened to address the imperative of accelerating FMS processes, reducing bureaucratic friction, and strengthening the U.S. position as a trusted defense partner. The consensus was clear: we must move faster to meet the moment.

Day 3: Driving Transparency, Collaboration & Action

AWSAC 2025 concluded with sessions focused on open discourse, transparency, and professional development to advance Foreign Military Sales.

• Government attendees participated in Skill Accelerator Breakouts designed to equip personnel with the tools and strategies needed to drive meaningful modernization and reform.
• Industry attendees engaged in the AUVSI Defense Advocacy Committee (DAC) meeting, featuring guest speakers Dr. Craig Sawyer, USN (NATO JCGMUS Chairman) and Stuart Hatfield, U.S. Army G8, providing a vital platform to align industry efforts with Army & NATO priorities.

Across all discussions, AWSAC reinforced a shared commitment to modernization, efficiency, and stronger collaboration between government and industry. The momentum doesn’t stop here—let’s take these conversations forward and turn them into action.