Messenger RNA (mRNA) medicines are increasingly recognized for their transformative power to improve patient health, as well as a strategic asset with implications for national and global security. The flexibility, speed, and scalability of mRNA therapeutics make them uniquely suited for rapid response to emerging threats - whether natural, accidental, or hostile. As such, governments should evaluate how mRNA fits into broader biodefense, pandemic preparedness, and supply chain resilience strategies. This panel will explore the intersection of mRNA innovation and national security, with perspectives from leaders in industry, government, and policy. Topics to be discussed will include the role of mRNA in future pandemic response, countermeasures for biological threats, and strategies for securing domestic manufacturing capacity. The discussion will also address the importance of global cooperation and the risk of falling behind strategic competitors in a field vital to public health and national security.