CARLISLE, Pa. — Pennsylvania will play a key role in building “the arsenal of freedom to defend our nation,” President Donald Trump said Wednesday, while visiting the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle.
Speaking at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, Trump said the gathering of industry leaders could generate roughly $10 billion in private-sector commitments. The White House and event organizers said the investments are expected to support thousands of jobs across the state, including in manufacturing, artificial intelligence and defense production.
“Pennsylvania will play a key role in building the arsenal of freedom to defend our nation in the modern world,” Trump said.
The two-day summit, hosted by U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, brought together executives from major defense contractors, financial firms and technology companies. Among those attending were leaders from Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics and J.P. Morgan.
Several projects highlighted during the event have ties to regions across Pennsylvania. Plans include expanded shipbuilding at the Philadelphia Shipyard, increased military truck production in eastern Pennsylvania and continued investment in robotics and AI development in Pittsburgh.
For south-central Pennsylvania, including Franklin County, the summit underscores the region’s proximity to a growing defense corridor anchored by Carlisle’s Army War College and nearby logistics and manufacturing hubs. Local officials have long pointed to the area’s workforce and transportation access as advantages for defense-related growth.
While the summit focused heavily on economic development and innovation, it came amid heightened global tensions. The U.S. has continued missile strikes in Iran, contributing to a drawdown in key weapons stockpiles such as Tomahawk missiles and Patriot and THAAD defense systems, according to recent analyses.
Despite those concerns, Trump offered only brief comments on the conflict, saying, “We’re really doing well with Iran,” and adding that the country is “unhappy right now.”
Defense experts have warned that replenishing certain munitions could take years, even as the administration pushes for increased military spending. Trump has proposed a $1.5 trillion defense budget, though it remains stalled in Congress.
Industry leaders at the summit emphasized the need to accelerate production timelines and modernize supply chains. Jake Loosararian, CEO of Gecko Robotics, said defense manufacturers must “supercharge supply chains” to meet demand.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) also participated in summit events earlier in the day, highlighting the state’s role in national security and economic development.
The summit builds on a similar event held last year in Pittsburgh that focused on energy and robotics investment. Organizers say this year’s gathering aims to position Pennsylvania as a central hub for defense innovation as global conflicts and military demands evolve.
