### Question
What does national defense mean?


### Answer
**National defense** has the following meaning in *10 U.S.C. § 4818*:

> programs for military and atomic energy production or construction, military assistance to any foreign nation, stockpiling, space, and directly related activity

#### Citation:
  - *10 U.S.C. § 4818*
  - Heading: **Subtitle A-General Military Law > PART V-ACQUISITION > Subpart I-Defense Industrial Base > CHAPTER 382-POLICIES AND PLANNING**

