A Donald Trump presidency could be advantageous for the US defence industry, according to Eric Mendelson, co-president of independent aerospace and defence parts producer Heico Corp, who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday.
Former US President Trump has suggested he might reduce funding to Ukraine if he wins the November election, which could potentially slow the rapid sales growth of items ranging from missiles and drones to armoured vehicles and artillery shells.
"We believe Trump will be beneficial for our business," Mendelson said at the Farnborough Airshow. "And I think this view is shared by the majority in the defence industry."
Defence companies have expressed confidence that Western governments will keep increasing their military spending to counter threats from Russia and China, despite concerns about political instability in the US and Europe affecting defence budgets.
Mendelson compared Trump's approach to that of 1980s US President Ronald Reagan, emphasizing a strategy of "peace through strength." He explained, "If you possess strength, it deters your neighbors' adversaries from attacking you."
Mendelson added, "Even if he successfully ends the conflict, which we all hope for, as long as he continues to support a sovereign Ukraine, he will still be a strong advocate for the industry."
