The article examines the main trends in the US military-industrial complex in the new geopolitical environment. The publication of the first National Defense Industrial Strategy at the end of 2023 reflected the views of the country's military establishment on the changed military environment in the world and confirmed the unpreparedness of the US defense industry for a potential conflict with an equal rival. The analysis of the key provisions of the Strategy gives an idea of the main directions of reforms of the country's defense industry, in order to prepare it for a likely high-intensity military conflict. The article makes an attempt to identify the main directions of reforms, the implementation of which becomes the most important task of the country to preserve the military-industrial base in the event of a direct military clash.