Brad Wilson Takes Helm of Utah’s Aerospace and Defense Association
Salt Lake City, UT—Brad Wilson, former Speaker of the Utah House, has succeeded Chris Stewart as chair of Utah’s aerospace and defense association, now known as 47G. His appointment comes amid seismic shifts in American foreign policy that offer both challenges and opportunities for the burgeoning industries.
In a recent Deseret News interview, Wilson emphasized the need for transparent communication between Washington, state officials, and industry leaders, particularly regarding the uncertainties surrounding tariffs. This aligns with President Trump’s administration, which aims to bolster the domestic manufacturing sector and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for critical materials.
Aaron Starks, CEO of 47G, echoed these sentiments, asserting the significance of Trump’s directives to strengthen national security by shortening international supply chains. Companies within 47G, which recently merged with Utah’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Initiative, stand to benefit from the administration’s recent executive orders designed to expedite federal procurement processes.
Additionally, Wilson’s leadership arrives with a new agreement between 47G and Beta Technologies, a Vermont-based electric aircraft developer, indicating Utah’s readiness for futuristic aerospace innovations within the next two years.
Despite these promising developments, uncertainty looms as Trump’s foreign policy evolves. The imposition of tariffs has sparked concerns among Utah manufacturers, leading to hesitation in investment and spending. Starks underscored the need for a clear direction to alleviate these anxieties.
Utah is uniquely positioned in the critical minerals arena, home to about 40 of the 50 essential minerals for defense. If the federal government can assure consistent demand, the state could expand its production capabilities significantly.
With Wilson at the helm, Utah’s commitment to innovation and secure domestic production aims to fortify its standing in the aerospace and defense sectors, potentially reshaping the future of the industry in the state.
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