A&D Leaders Bet on AI Sourcing to Bolster Domestic Supply Chains

Event summary

  • 41% of A&D leaders expect significant program acceleration in 2026, outpacing general industry growth.
  • 85% of A&D leaders prioritize AI-driven sourcing solutions, compared to 63% in general industry.
  • 90% of A&D leaders consider reshoring essential for supply chain resilience.
  • Xometry's marketplace is ITAR-registered and CMMC Level 2-certified, with AS9100D-certified facilities.

The big picture

The aerospace and defense sector is experiencing rapid growth, with leaders prioritizing AI-driven solutions to enhance sourcing, reshoring, and workforce development. This shift reflects broader industry trends toward supply chain resilience and technological innovation, particularly in additive manufacturing. The strategic emphasis on domestic capacity and compliance highlights the critical role of advanced quality assurance in supporting program agility and long-term resilience.

What we're watching

AI Adoption Pace
The pace at which AI-enabled sourcing solutions will scale across the A&D sector and whether this will drive meaningful cost and time efficiencies.
Reshoring Execution
How effectively A&D leaders can diversify their supplier mix and improve visibility into qualified domestic manufacturing partners.
Regulatory Compliance
The impact of compliance bottlenecks, particularly around standards like AS9100, ITAR, and CMMC, on program readiness and supply chain resilience.