SNC, the global aerospace and national security company, hosted Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at its Aviation Innovation and Technology Center as part of the Secretary’s Arsenal of Freedom Tour.
Hegseth toured the facility and received briefings on several key SNC programs and capabilities, including the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC), the next-generation airborne command center. This highly specialized aircraft is trusted by the President, Secretary and other top national security leaders to ensure continued critical airborne command, control and communications during national emergencies.
During his visit to SNC, the Secretary also saw first-hand the latest developments on connectivity upgrades for US Air Force’s KC-46 fleet, air defense solutions for critical personnel and assets, and life-saving Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) technology that allows pilots to see through dust, fog and snowstorms. The company’s operationally proven unmanned surface vessel (USV), AEGIR™, also was on display.
Following the tour, Hegseth spoke to approximately 400 SNC Dayton-area employees, as well as key local, state and national leaders. His remarks were simultaneously live streamed to the nearly 5,000 SNC personnel at company locations across the U.S.
“We live on timelines today that require speed and scale,” Secretary Hegseth said. “And that’s why we trust [SNC] with our most vital assets, which is why you’re constructing the next-generation Survivable Airborne Operations Center…The Department of War is kicking the door wide open for commercial disruptors, nontraditional innovators and venture-backed builders. We are actively creating the next generation of defense prime contractors.”
“Secretary Hegseth’s vision for acquisition transformation reflects principles that SNC has embraced for decades,” said Fatih Ozmen, SNC CEO and owner. “As a non-OEM integrator, we believe open architectures, shared data rights and the right to repair are essential to unlocking innovation and strengthening national security. Programs like SAOC demonstrate how greater competition and customer choice can deliver advanced capabilities and build a stronger and more resilient industrial base.”
The Secretary’s Arsenal of Freedom Tour and visit to SNC highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, industry and the workforce to advance America’s national security. By investing in people, technology and mission-ready solutions, SNC is helping deliver the speed, resilience and operational advantage needed to address evolving threats.
“We’re all part of the same fight, truly shoulder to shoulder,” Secretary Hegseth went on to tell the SNC employees gathered in person and virtually. “While our warriors are the tip of the spear, you are the ones who help sharpen them. All of the strategies from the Pentagon are meaningless without the people on the floor…With every platform you build and wire and assemble, it gives our warfighters the decisive edge to win and, ultimately, to return home safe…So, what we see here at SNC is the blueprint for restoring the golden age of American manufacturing and warfighting.”