How The US Military Spends $800B Per Year On War Machines | True Cost | Business Insider

Business Insider・2 minutes read

The U.S. military budget exceeded $800 billion in 2021, with advanced weapons like the costly USS Ford and F-35 program showcasing cutting-edge technology and facing delays and criticism. Drones and autonomous weapons are reshaping warfare strategies, with concerns rising over ethical implications and the need for adaptation to counter emerging threats.

Insights

  • The U.S. military budget in 2021 exceeded $800 billion, surpassing the combined budgets of the next nine largest militaries, highlighting the significant financial investment in defense capabilities.
  • Advanced technologies like the USS Ford's electromagnetic aircraft launch system and the F-35 fighter jet's stealth design showcase the U.S.'s commitment to cutting-edge military equipment, despite facing challenges such as delays and high costs, reshaping modern warfare strategies and innovation.

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Recent questions

  • What is the current U.S. military budget?

    In 2021, the U.S. military budget surpassed $800 billion, exceeding the combined budgets of the next nine largest militaries. This substantial budget allocation reflects the country's prioritization of defense spending to maintain its military superiority on a global scale.

  • How much did the USS Ford aircraft carrier cost?

    The latest U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Ford, cost $13.3 billion, making it one of the most expensive carriers in history. Despite its advanced technologies and capabilities, the USS Ford faced delays and challenges, taking five years to become fully battle-ready after commissioning.

  • What issues did the F-35 fighter program face?

    The $1.7 trillion F-35 fighter program experienced various issues, with the U.S. Air Force even grounding its fleet due to broken ejection seats. High operating costs and sustainment expenses have led to criticism of the program, impacting its overall effectiveness and efficiency in meeting military needs.

  • What are some advanced technologies used by American war machines?

    American war machines, such as Javelin missiles and drones, are actively utilized in conflicts like the one in Ukraine, showcasing advanced technology. These weapons demonstrate the country's commitment to innovation and military superiority through the deployment of cutting-edge equipment in modern warfare scenarios.

  • How does the USS Ford aircraft carrier revolutionize aircraft takeoff?

    The USS Ford features an electromagnetic aircraft launch system, costing over $1 billion, which revolutionizes aircraft takeoff compared to traditional steam catapults. This advanced system enhances safety, efficiency, and longevity by providing smoother and more controlled launches for various aircraft, showcasing the carrier's technological advancements in naval aviation.

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Summary

00:00

"US Military Budget and Advanced Technology"

  • In 2021, the U.S. military budget surpassed $800 billion, exceeding the combined budgets of the next nine largest militaries.
  • The latest U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Ford, cost $13.3 billion and faced delays, still not fully battle-ready five years after commissioning.
  • The $1.7 trillion F-35 fighter program experienced issues, with the U.S. Air Force grounding its fleet due to broken ejection seats.
  • American war machines, like Javelin missiles and drones, are active in Ukraine, showcasing advanced technology.
  • The USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy's most expensive carrier, faced unexpected costs and delays, with even toilet unclogging costing $400,000.
  • The USS Ford features advanced weapons elevators and cutting-edge technologies, making it a floating experiment.
  • The Ford's electromagnetic aircraft launch system, costing over $1 billion, revolutionizes aircraft takeoff compared to steam catapults.
  • The Ford's computerized systems enable easier takeoff and landing for various aircraft, enhancing safety and longevity.
  • The F-35 program, costing $1.7 trillion, faced criticism for high operating costs and sustainment expenses.
  • The F-35, designed to meet diverse military needs, resulted in three models (F-35A, B, C), each tailored for specific requirements, leading to cost overruns and delays.

16:53

"Advanced F-35 Fighter Jet and Drones"

  • The F-35 fighter jet's advanced cockpit provides pilots with extensive information, including a custom-fit helmet costing $400,000 that combines heads-up display, night vision, and infrared camera feeds.
  • The stealth design of the F-35 absorbs radar waves and conceals its heat signature, allowing pilots to maintain a strategic advantage by being undetectable.
  • The original plan was for the Air Force to purchase 1763 F-35As, but due to high costs, the actual number may be significantly lower, necessitating the continued use of legacy fourth-generation fighters.
  • Lethal drones are being utilized in the war in Ukraine, with some capable of autonomous operation, raising concerns about the ethical implications of machines making life-and-death decisions.
  • Loitering Munitions, a combination of artillery and drones, are being used in conflicts, such as the Switchblade 300 and 600, which can target small to large enemy assets with precision.
  • The United States sent 700 Switchblade 300 drones to Ukraine in 2022, each costing around $6,000 and designed for one-time use against enemy targets.
  • Autonomous and semi-autonomous drones are increasingly being used in warfare, with a focus on enhancing their ability to track, identify, and engage targets independently.
  • The use of drones in conflicts like the war in Ukraine has reshaped military strategies, with nations like Russia adapting their defenses to counter drone threats, leading to a new era of warfare innovation and adaptation.
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