This year’s Michigan Defense Expo, co-located with the XPONENTIAL Show, brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders across the defense and autonomy ecosystem. From long-standing members of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) to emerging startups and established manufacturers, the event highlighted just how quickly the landscape is evolving, both technologically and in terms of compliance expectations.
A Strong Cross-Section of the Defense and Autonomy Ecosystem
One of the most notable aspects of the event was the diversity of organizations in attendance. It wasn’t just traditional defense contractors and primes; it was also manufacturers, robotics companies, and technology firms actively building autonomous systems, sensing platforms, and dual-use technologies.
Conversations throughout the show reflected a shared reality: autonomy is no longer a future concept; it is actively being integrated into defense programs today. Whether in ground systems, aerial platforms, or supporting software infrastructure, the push toward autonomy is driving deeper collaboration between software developers, hardware manufacturers, and defense integrators.
Equally important was the level of engagement across the supply chain. Many smaller and mid-sized companies are no longer operating at the periphery of defense contracting; they are becoming essential contributors to complex, distributed systems.
CMMC Level 2 is Becoming a Supply Chain Expectation
A recurring theme throughout the event was the increasing prominence of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 requirements across the supply chain.
What was once viewed primarily as a “prime contractor requirement” is now clearly cascading downward. Subcontractors are increasingly seeing CMMC Level 2 requirements embedded directly into contracts from prime contractors. In many cases, subcontractors are also beginning to extend those same requirements to their own vendors and suppliers.
This shift signals something important: CMMC is no longer just a compliance checkbox at the top of the defense hierarchy; it is becoming a baseline expectation throughout the entire ecosystem.
For many organizations, this is driving a renewed focus on cybersecurity maturity, documentation practices, and controlled unclassified information (CUI) handling. It is also accelerating investment in tools, processes, and managed services that can help companies meet and maintain compliance sustainably.
International Companies Entering the U.S. Defense Market
Another major theme at the event was the growing interest from international companies looking to enter the U.S. defense industrial base. These organizations are often bringing cutting-edge technologies in autonomy, robotics, and advanced manufacturing, but are quickly realizing that cybersecurity compliance, particularly CMMC, is a critical gateway requirement.
For many international firms, CMMC is not just a U.S.-specific compliance framework; it is becoming a strategic consideration early in their market entry planning. Understanding how data is handled, how systems are secured, and how compliance is demonstrated is increasingly essential for participating in U.S. defense contracts.
This awareness is helping shape more proactive engagement, with companies seeking guidance earlier in their go-to-market strategies rather than treating compliance as a late-stage hurdle.
C3PAOs and the Global Dimension of Assessments
As demand for CMMC readiness grows, Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAO) are playing a critical role in enabling assessments across the ecosystem.
While many assume assessments are geographically constrained, C3PAOs are capable of conducting evaluations internationally, supporting global organizations that are preparing to enter or already operating within the U.S. defense supply chain. At the same time, several countries are beginning to encourage the implementation and use of local third-party assessors for audits rather than relying on international providers, further highlighting the growing global pressure to meet these cybersecurity requirements in-region as well as abroad. Also, it’s important to recognize that some countries maintain their own cybersecurity and defense contracting frameworks, which can introduce additional layers of complexity for multinational firms.
As a result, companies operating across borders are increasingly navigating a hybrid compliance landscape—balancing U.S. requirements like CMMC with local or regional security standards.
Closing Thoughts
The Michigan Defense Expo and XPONENTIAL co-location underscored a clear trajectory: defense innovation and cybersecurity compliance are becoming inseparable.
Autonomy is accelerating collaboration across hardware and software ecosystems, while CMMC Level 2 is steadily becoming a non-negotiable requirement across both primes and subcontractors. At the same time, international participation in the U.S. defense market is expanding—bringing both opportunity and complexity to an already dynamic environment.
For organizations across the DIB, the message is consistent: cybersecurity maturity is no longer optional, and it is now deeply embedded in how defense business gets done.
Where You Can Find Us Next
Miss us at MDEX? Check us out at our upcoming events!
Senedia Defense Innovation Days
Aug. 26-27 | Newport, Rhode Island
Looking to get a jump start on your CMMC compliance requirements?
