A new joint study by Kearney and the Aerospace Industries Association explores reshoring and onshoring efforts within the US aerospace manufacturing sector. It examines how companies are localizing production to build more sustainable, secure, and competitive supply chains. The research shows that, faced with rising exposure to global supply chain shocks, nearly 60 percent of A&D companies are pursuing localization strategies, and 15 percent have already developed or implemented them. Dependence on foreign suppliers for critical inputs increases risk, while policy shifts such as Section 232 tariffs highlight opportunities to strengthen domestic capacity.

Even as companies localize, supply chain leaders emphasize that global sourcing, friendshoring, and trusted international partnerships remain essential. Together, these strategies help reduce risk, create value, and reinforce technology sovereignty. These outcomes naturally emerge when supply networks are intentionally rebuilt around the United States and its allies.