2023-06-11 14:39:14
The Pentagon faces delays in many weapons programs. But that’s not the only problem facing the US Department of Defense.
what is known
Spending on 32 major programs has increased by tens of billions of dollars over the past two years. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) came to this conclusion.
A total of 101 Department of Defense weapons programs were reviewed by GAO staff. These include the modernization of the B-52 Stratofortress nuclear bomber, the development of a long-range precision missile (PrSM) for HIMARS, as well as the production of Virginia-class submarines and the development of a new generation of spacecraft for the US Space Force.
New delays have been reported in more than half of the 26 major defense procurement programs that are not yet operational. The main reasons were supply interruptions, delays in software development and poor quality controls.
The net costs of 32 major defense procurement programs increased by $37 billion year-over-year due to higher modernization costs, inefficient manufacturing and supply chain issues.
We have already written that the Virginia-class nuclear submarines will arrive two years later than planned. The US Navy might also experience delays in integrating hypersonic missiles into the Zumwalt-class destroyers.
The US Air Force also has problems. For example, the delivery of the F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets will be delayed by at least six months. The KC-46A Pegasus and Air Force One (VC-25B) programs have also been delayed. The T-7A Red Hawk training aircraft is delayed by more than two years, and that’s not all.
The Sentinel ICBM is expected to become operational in 2030.
The cost of the program is estimated at $96 billion. The missile will replace the Minuteman III and remain in service for several decades.
Those: Breaking Defense
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