Aerospace & Defense Leaders Prioritize AI-Enabled Sourcing to Strengthen Domestic Supply Chains and Support Program Growth

Core Insights - Aerospace and defense (A&D) organizations are investing in AI-driven solutions, additive manufacturing, and workforce upskilling to prepare for rapid growth in 2026 [1][2] Investment Trends - 41% of A&D leaders expect significant acceleration in 2026, surpassing general industry expectations [2] - 90% of A&D leaders consider reshoring essential for success, emphasizing domestic capacity and resilient supply chains [3] - 47% of leaders identify compliance as a primary supply chain vulnerability, highlighting the importance of adhering to standards like AS9100, ITAR, and CMMC [4] Technology Adoption - 85% of A&D leaders prioritize AI-driven solutions for enhanced pricing visibility and streamlined sourcing workflows, compared to 63% in general industry [7] - Additive manufacturing is projected to be the fastest-growing manufacturing process in 2026, driven by the need for rapid prototyping and access to advanced materials [7] Workforce Development - Nearly half (47%) of the A&D workforce is expected to be upskilled or reskilled due to increased use of AI-enabled tools [7] Company Positioning - Xometry's marketplace is ITAR-registered and CMMC Level 2-certified, providing access to AS9100D-certified facilities and comprehensive quality assurance [5]