Workforce Needs
National Defense Strategy
2026 Overview
The FY 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS) serves as the Department of Defense’s comprehensive guide for how the United States responds to global threats, collaborates with allies, and invests in people, technology, and industry.
For workforce and economic development professionals, the NDS is vital because it sets the direction that later shows up in funding opportunities, industrial investments, and long-term demand for talent in defense-related sectors.
The FY 2026 NDS emphasizes four key priorities:
Defending the homeland.
Defend the United States’ interest throughout the Western Hemisphere through seven strategies, including drone specific measures, development of the Golden Dome, modernizing nuclear forces, and deterring cyber threats.
Deterring China in the Indo-Pacific.
Maintain “peace through strength” in the region by building a strong denial defense, deepening cooperation with allies, and engaging China to promote stability, while ensuring the U.S. negotiates from a position of power.
Increasing burden-sharing with allies and partners.
Strengthen incentives for America’s allies and partners to take primary responsibility for their own defense in Europe, the Middle East, and the Korean Peninsula.
“Supercharging” the Defense Industrial Base.
Strengthen sustainment capabilities, expand non-traditional and traditional partnerships, and harness national innovation and industrial capacity.
