CONGRESSMEN DON BACON AND PAT RYAN CALL FOR URGENT DEFENSE INNOVATION AT HONOLULU DEFENSE FORUM 2025

Honolulu, HI – February 13, 2025 – At the Honolulu Defense Forum (HDF) 2025, Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation (CITI), and Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY), Vice-Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, delivered a bipartisan call to action on defense technology innovation, procurement reform, and military readiness. Addressing a distinguished audience of global military leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, both congressmen stressed the urgent need to accelerate U.S. defense modernization to counter growing threats in the Indo-Pacific.

During their high-profile lunch discussion, “View from Congress on Defense Technology Innovation,” Bacon and Ryan outlined congressional priorities for ensuring the U.S. maintains its competitive edge against strategic adversaries. They urged for faster adoption of emerging technologies, streamlined acquisition processes, and stronger public-private collaboration to bolster national security. Their remarks underscored bipartisan consensus on the importance of strengthening military-industrial partnerships and deepening alliances with Indo-Pacific nations.

Key Highlights from HDF 2025:

✅ Congressional Address – Rep. Don Bacon and Rep. Pat Ryan called for greater urgency in defense innovation and procurement reform.

✅ Keynote Speech – Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, emphasized warfighting readiness and strengthening U.S. and allied capabilities.

✅ Global Participation – Nearly 20 nations from the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and North America, along with 50+ defense and technology companies, convened to discuss security challenges.

✅ Focused Sessions on Critical Topics, including:

Access to Event Materials

About Pacific Forum

Pacific Forum is a non-profit think tank fostering dialogue, cooperation, and policy shaping in the Indo-Pacific region. For more information, visit https://pacforum.org/.