BENTONVILLE — U.S. House Armed Services Committee Chair Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) on Wednesday urged the defense industry to strengthen the country’s military stockpile during the 2026 Mid-America Aerospace and Defense Summit. Hosted in Bentonville, the summit brought together defense and aerospace firms and drew protests against Arkansas’ role in supplying military weaponry for global conflicts.
Rogers, joined by Arkansas Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR), emphasized the need to rebuild military capabilities, citing stockpile depletion linked to the war in Iran. Rogers said the Pentagon is encouraging the defense industry to expand production, potentially benefiting Arkansas, a state deeply involved in the sector. Aerospace and defense remain Arkansas' top export category by revenue, with more than 150 industrial facilities located statewide, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission has said. In 2024, the state exported over $950 million in aircraft and aircraft parts.
“Camden, Arkansas is a critical player in our munitions production, and there’s some really neat things going on down there to grow their capabilities,” Rogers said during the summit.
Rogers also linked increased defense spending to broader geopolitics, referencing tensions with China. He said investment in the defense industry could enforce a "peace through strength" strategy that deters potential adversaries.
Womack, who represents Arkansas’ 3rd Congressional District, said funding the military buildup will require balancing security needs with the nation’s financial challenges. A former House Budget Committee chair, Womack described the federal debt, which recently surpassed $40 trillion, as a national security risk. He noted lawmakers are expected to approve a temporary funding measure next week, extending government operations through early December.
The summit also drew criticism from local advocacy groups. More than three dozen protesters, organized by Friends of Palestine NWA, demonstrated outside the event's opening reception Tuesday night. The group opposes Arkansas’ involvement in the defense industry, citing ethical concerns tied to conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war.
Protester Larry Meyer, a Vietnam veteran, said the state should distance itself from producing military equipment, including drones. “You’ve been in the military; you know what it’s about,” said Meyer. “You don’t want that for your neighbor. You don’t want it in your neighborhood.”
The demonstration also targeted companies like Swarm Aero, a California-based drone manufacturer that recently opened a Fayetteville facility. The firm announced $10 million in Air Force Research Laboratory contracts earlier this month.
Tammra Fields, a member of Indivisible NWA, acknowledged the challenges of shifting opinion on a deeply entrenched industry but hoped protestors could raise awareness. “Human life is worth more than money,” she said.
Despite opposition, the defense industry’s economic footprint in Arkansas remains significant. Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, and Raytheon all operate facilities in South Arkansas, contributing to the state’s prominence in defense contracting.
The summit highlighted the complexity of modern defense issues, balancing national security concerns, economic benefits, and ethical questions raised by constituents like Meyer. “Ultimately, we’re fighting for our family’s future,” Meyer said. “We want our grandbabies to have a better world.”