Blakey: "Indiscriminate" Cuts Will Hurt R & D

The Aerospace Industries Association said in a news release late last week that it is "disappointed" that the recent budget agreement cuts defense programs more deeply than the levels recommended by Defense Secretary Gates.

"The budget agreement slashes defense funding while our armed forces are currently engaged in military operations around the world," said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. "Indiscriminate cuts inevitably will fall disproportionately on R&D and procurement, increasing the risk that the war fighter will not get the best equipment that America can provide."

Secretary Gates has recommended a Defense Department appropriation of at least $540 billion for fiscal year 2011 for the U.S. military to successfully carry out its mission, maintain readiness and prepare for the future. AIA agrees with the secretary's position that this is the appropriate level of funding to ensure mission success and fully support our troops.

"As the President reviews our current military missions with DOD and the Joint Chiefs, we hope that they realize the potential long-term danger that more defense cuts will cause to both our nation's national security and shrinking defense industrial base," said Blakey.

FMI: www.aia-aerospace.org