FORTRESS America Launches
FORTRESS America has been launched by the US Department of War as a new programme focused on strengthening military bases, defence supply chains, energy security and infrastructure resilience. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the initiative on September 30, 2026, during his State of the Force address at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. The name stands for Federal Operations for Resilience, Troop Resources, Energy, Supply, and Survivability.
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The main goal of FORTRESS America is to reduce the dependence of major US military installations on civilian infrastructure and vulnerable overseas supply chains.
Under the programme, major military installations are expected to develop independent power generation so that they can continue operating if the civilian electricity grid is disrupted. The Department of War said the measures are designed to help bases remain operational during cyberattacks, sabotage and other emergencies.
The initiative connects energy security with military readiness. Independent power systems could support essential functions such as aircraft operations, communications and command facilities during major disruptions.
Five Areas Under the Programme
FORTRESS America covers five broad areas of resilience. These include energy independence, defence supply-chain resilience, strategic reserves, installation hardening and cyber resilience, and resilience in space and the electromagnetic spectrum.
The programme also focuses on strengthening the infrastructure needed for military operations across land, air, sea, space and cyber environments.
The Department of War said the initiative will address vulnerabilities that could affect the US military’s ability to operate during a prolonged crisis. It also links infrastructure planning with long-term defence requirements.
Critical Supply Chains to Be Strengthened
Another major part of FORTRESS America is the effort to bring critical defence supply chains closer to the United States.
The programme specifically identifies rare earth elements, specialty metals, semiconductors and propellants as important materials for defence production. The Department of War says these materials should be mined, processed and manufactured in the United States where possible.
The focus on domestic supply chains comes as governments around the world are paying greater attention to the security of critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. Semiconductors and rare earth materials are widely used in modern electronics, communications systems and defence equipment.
Strategic Reserves for Disruptions
The initiative also calls for deeper strategic reserves of essential supplies. These include ammunition, fuel, medicine and blood.
The purpose is to maintain access to critical resources if international transport or supply chains are disrupted. Modern military operations depend on large and continuous flows of fuel, spare parts, medical supplies and other materials.
By increasing reserves and strengthening domestic production, the programme aims to reduce the effect of major interruptions to global supply networks.
Cybersecurity and Base Protection
FORTRESS America also includes measures to strengthen military installations against cyber threats, sabotage and drone-related risks.
Military bases increasingly depend on digital networks, communications systems and automated infrastructure. This creates new security challenges because disruptions to information systems or physical infrastructure can affect operations.
The programme therefore combines physical protection with cybersecurity and surveillance measures. It also includes resilience in space and spectrum, reflecting the growing importance of satellites, communications and navigation systems in modern military operations.
New Programme Office Planned
A dedicated FORTRESS America Program Office is expected to be established within 30 days. The office will operate under the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment.
The new structure is intended to bring procurement, logistics, infrastructure and sustainment planning under a common framework. The programme will form part of the wider changes announced by Hegseth during the September 30 State of the Force address.
The announcement came alongside several other initiatives, including the proposed Autonomous Warfare Command, Project Meridian and plans for a new US military installation.
Wider US Defence Technology Push
The launch of FORTRESS America is part of a broader US defence effort announced in September 2026 to prepare military forces for changing technology and security risks.
Project Meridian will study future warfare and emerging technologies, while the proposed Autonomous Warfare Command will focus on autonomous and robotic systems. FORTRESS America is aimed more directly at the infrastructure, energy and supply systems that support military operations.
Together, these initiatives show the wider focus of the current US defence planning on autonomous technology, domestic production, resilient infrastructure and protection against disruptions to military operations.
