15 of the most expensive projects scrapped by the US military
In the 2000s, the Pentagon spent $51.2 billion on 15 major programmes 'without any fielded systems to show for it'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The US military is unquestionably the world's strongest force with the world's largest defense budget.
But throughout the 2000s, the Pentagon spent $51.2 billion on 15 major programmes “without any fielded systems to show for it,” according to a new Center for Strategic and International Studies report.
The abandoned projects are largely due to a lack of funding attributed to the Budget Control Act and sequestration.
Sequestration, which is indiscriminate budget cuts across-the-board that affect every portion of the military equally, is the greatest threat to the US military currently, Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates told Business Insider.
Below are a series of military modernisation projects that were canceled partially due to a lack of funds.
Future Combat Systems
Branch: Army
Sunk Costs: $18.1 billion
Follow-On: The project was ultimately superseded by the Ground Combat Vehicle Program. This program was also ultimately canceled.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
RAH-66 Comanche Armed Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter
Branch: Army
Sunk Costs: $7.9 billion
Follow-On: The helicopter was superseded by the later canceled Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter project.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System
Branch: Air Force and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Sunk-Costs: $5.8 billion
Follow-On: The program was replaced by the now-canceled Defense Weather Satellite System (DWSS). The DWSS is slated to be restarted as the Weather Satellite Follow-On.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
Airborne Laser
Branch: Air Force
Sunk Costs: $5.2 billion
Follow-On: The project was canceled without an identified replacement.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
VH-71 Presidential Helicopter
Branch: Marine Corps
Sunk Costs: $3.7 billion
Follow-On: The project was restarted as the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle
Branch: Marine Corps
Sunk Costs: $3.3 billion
Follow-On: The project was ultimately superseded by the Amphibious Combat Vehicle program.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
XM2001 Crusader Self-Propelled Howitzer
Branch: Army
Sunk Costs: $2.2 billion
Follow-On: The project was superseded by the Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System which was also then canceled.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
E-10 Multi-sensor Command and Control Aircraft
Branch: Air Force
Sunk Costs: $1.9 billion
Follow-On: The program was superseded by the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System Replacement Program.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
Space Based Infrared Systems - Low
Branch: Air Force
Sunk Costs: $1.5 billion
Follow-On: The program was superseded by the Space Tracking and Surveillance System.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
Advanced SEAL Delivery System
Branch: Navy
Sunk Costs: $0.6 billion
Follow-On: The project was superseded by the later canceled Joint Multi-Mission Submersible.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter
Branch: Army
Sunk Costs: $0.5 billion
Follow-On: The project was deferred following the Army's decision to field a mix of drones and AH-64Es instead.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
Aerial Common Sensor
Branch: Army/Navy
Sunk Costs: $0.4 billion
Follow-On: The project deferred in favor of the Navy's P-8 program and upgrades to Army aircraft.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
CG(X) Next Generation Cruiser
Branch: Navy
Sunk Costs: $0.2 billion
Follow-On: The project was deferred, and the Navy purchased additional DDG 51 destroyers instead.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
CSAR-X Combat Rescue Helicopter
Branch: Air Force
Sunk Costs: $0.2 billion
Follow-On: The project was ultimately restarted as the Combat Rescue Helicopter.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
Next Generation Bomber
Branch: Army
Sunk Costs: $18.1 billion
Follow-On: The project was restarted as the Long Range Strike-Bomber.
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
Read more:
• Switzerland might be ending banking as we know it
• It's starting to look like Russia will have the biggest impact on oil prices this year
• 'Everybody says payments will be on the blockchain in the future'
Read the original article on Business Insider UK. © 2015. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments