Future of American defense will be built in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott says

Gov. Greg Abbott touted the strength of the Texas economy and the state’s history with the defense and aerospace industries on Thursday during a luncheon in Dallas.

The future of warfare will be in cyber and outer space, and Texas will lead the way, Abbott said, speaking during the North Texas Commission’s 52nd annual members luncheon. The governor was joined by former U.S. Secretary of the Army Pete Geren.

Abbott pointed to the state’s large number of Tier 1 research universities, and the Army’s Futures Command in Austin.

“You can have a hundred tanks gathered or 20 ships gathered and all of them can be blown apart by one laser from a satellite in space,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance community colleges to train the workforce of the future.

Abbott singled out Tarrant County College, where Abbott said business owners could work with the college system to develop coursework tailored to their industries.

“This is something that’s going to be a game changer around the state, but at the same time a game changer for our students,” Abbott said.