MICHIGAN DEFENSE ACCESS MISSION
Connecting Israeli Dual-Use Startups with the U.S. “Arsenal of Innovation.”
Michigan | May 11 – May 13, 2026
Site Visits and Meetings
National All-Domain Warfighting Center
Take an exclusive tour of Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center and 17,000 square miles of special use military airspace at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (that’s more than two times the size of Israel!).
General Dynamics Land Systems
See the latest advanced combat vehicles, and learn about the needs and requirements of the U.S. DOD and how you can plug into the GDLS supply chain.
GM Defense
See how commercial automotive innovation is transformed into next-generation U.S. military vehicles, and learn how GM works with technology partners.
Rheinmetall
Learn how the $8 billion German defense company supports U.S. Army programs through mobility platforms, and how you can partner and team with them..
BAE Systems
Meet with the engineering and design teams of the $33 billion aerospace and defense company, and learn about their roadmap, technical needs, and how to partner.
MDEX / Xponential
As part of the trip, you’ll get access to the Michigan Defense Expo and Xponential, one of the largest UAS shows in the United States (10,000+ attendees). Both shows draw government, military and defense professionals, and there are select opportunities to exhibit your capabilities at the events!
Inside the U.S. Defense Ecosystem: A Strategic Delegation Experience
- The National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) & Northern Strike – Meet with Col. Lucas Lanczy, Commander of NADWC, to explore how your technology can be integrated into Northern Strike, one of the nation’s largest joint military exercises. Shift from "pitching" to "testing": learn how to utilize Michigan's realistic threat environments to gather critical end-user feedback and harden your hardware for U.S. requirements.
- U.S. Army GVSC & High-Level Endorsements – Present your capabilities to Dr. Joe Cannon, Chief Scientist of the Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC). Gaining the attention of GVSC leadership is a critical gateway to Foreign Competitive Testing (FCT) and formal DoD requirements. The delegation will also have a confirmed meeting with MG (Ret) Paul Rogers, providing a rare strategic vantage point into Army modernization.
- The Velocity International Landing Zone – Experience the "Defense Corridor" firsthand at Velocity. Strategically located near major Primes, this facility offers an International Landing Zone—a dedicated space for global companies (including success stories like Rafael) to establish a U.S. foothold with up to six months of support.
- General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) – Engage with the leaders in advanced combat vehicles. Learn the specific requirements of the U.S. DoD and how international innovators can plug into the GDLS global supply chain.
- BAE Systems & GM Defense – Meet with engineering and design teams to understand their technology roadmaps. See how commercial automotive innovation is being militarized and identify specific partnership tracks for next-generation vehicle platforms.
- MDEX / Xponential – Cap off the mission with access to the Michigan Defense Expo and Xponential, the premier global stage for uncrewed systems (10,000+ attendees). Benefit from a curated environment where government, military, and industry primes converge to source new capabilities.
Going to SOF Week? If you’re planning to be at Special Operations Forces Week in Florida in late May, the Michigan Defense Access Mission is the perfect way to meet key players, build relationships, and then join The CET Sandbox in Florida for additional networking and receptions!
MISSION OBJECTIVES
Warfighter Engagement
"Boots on the ground" feedback. Engage in roundtables and private tours of key military installations to understand the real-world needs of the US armed forces.
Industry Events
Participation in the Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX) & Xponential.
Gain visibility among thousands of industry stakeholders.
Industrial Partnerships
Direct access to the "Arsenal of Innovation." Visit the facilities of top-tier Defense Prime Contractors and explore manufacturing partnerships to scale your operations.
SUCCESS FROM THE FRONTLINES
What founders have to say about our Delegations
"For FLYZ, the event was the perfect platform — connecting us with the right customers, strategic partners, and investors driving innovation in our domain."
"The event in Washington was US-focused and well-organized Allowing Israeli founders to engage with US prime contractors, VCs, and official officers "
"Witnessing the passion and commitment of Israeli and U.S. defense and investment leaders united by a shared drive for technological innovation and mission accomplishment at the CET Forum was truly inspiring."
"From the caliber of people we met, the venues where the events were held, and the overall quality every event exuded, this forum was educational and useful to us all."