Analysts and appropriators in the Beltway measure military strength by counting platforms: fighter jets, submarines, aircraft carriers. But a fighter jet without a steady supply of munitions is a liability more than a capability. A submarine stuck in dry dock waiting on spare parts isn’t deterring anyone. As appropriators in Congress consider a historic defense budget, a fundamental mindset shift is needed: Start thinking about manufacturing capacity itself as the strategic asset. Today on First Breakfast, @HudsonInstitute’s Nadia Schadlow and @MarlinspikeVC’s Mislav Tolusic argue that Congress and the Pentagon should adopt a "Capacity-as-a-Service" (CaaS) model to prioritize dynamic production capability over static hardware buys. Borrowing the logic of SaaS, DoW could pay manufacturers ongoing retainers or subscriptions to keep flexible, scalable production capacity on standby—much the same way it already pays commercial shipping companies to guarantee capacity during emergencies. As Congress debates next year's defense budget, the question isn't just what weapons to buy, but what manufacturing capacity to own, fund, or incentivize so industry can produce at whatever scale a future conflict demands. Defense acquisition needs an update to reflect that reality. Read the full argument on our website below 🔗👇