North Carolina to host Velocity Summit on defense manufacturing speed

The North Carolina Military Business Center and The Protocase Companies have announced the inaugural Velocity Summit, scheduled for November 17, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina. The event aims to address the national security challenge of slow production speeds in translating military requirements into manufactured capabilities.

Summit discussions will focus on accelerating production, strengthening supply chains, and expanding capacity for critical systems such as aircraft, ships, and munitions. The initiative seeks to reduce barriers within the defense industrial base to mitigate risks posed by production delays and limited surge capacity.

North Carolina is positioned as a central player in this effort, hosting the Southeast’s largest manufacturing workforce and a significant defense presence. The Department of Defense has an estimated $79.7 billion annual economic impact in the state.