The US military is doing $3.7 billion worth of research and development on these missile silos

VaselineAugust 18, 2024

0 4 minutes read

The US military is doing .7 billion worth of research and development on these missile silos

This week we learned that Ukraine is using remote-controlled robot dogs in its war with Russia to search for enemy soldiers and traps and to do general surveillance in areas that are too dangerous for a human. This is the first deployment of this technology in warfare. It is part of the drone revolution in warfare that has allowed Ukraine, backed by the United States and its allies, to destroy tanks, sink ships and even drop grenades on individual soldiers to counter Russia’s numerical advantages.

Drones are just one example of high technology being developed for innovative military applications. The United States spends billions on research and development to stay ahead of its rivals in this area. By consulting publicly available data from the Department of Defense and various defense contractors, this article summarizes some of the most expensive projects that are in the works. Technology investors may find this information particularly useful, particularly for technologies that have the potential to transition from military to civilian use. (Robot dogs, anyone?)

24/7 Wall St. Perspectives

Many of the military’s most expensive research and development projects involve aviation, missiles and satellites.
The US is devoting significant resources to modernizing our nuclear arsenal for offensive capabilities as well as technological means to defend against nuclear missile attacks.
Also: Discover the “Next NVIDIA

Fast facts about the US military budget

The US military is doing .7 billion worth of research and development on these missile silos

The US military budget for 2024 is $841.4 billion.
Included in the fiscal year 2025 budget request is $143.2 billion for military research and development.
US military spending accounts for about 40% of the global total.
Defense spending averages 13-15% of the US budget. As military spending increased, the economy outpaced it so that it became a smaller percentage of the budget over time.
The US spends more on defense than the next 10 military powers combined.
Russia, China and India are the next three biggest spenders. According to them, the next 12 (countries such as Britain, Germany, Japan and Israel) are all US allies.

Next, 10 projects the military is spending a billion dollars or more to develop.

10. Next-Gen OPIR Polar ($1 billion)

Telecommunications satellites providing global Internet and high-speed data communications over Europe. Satellite in space, low earth orbit. Global data communication technology.

The goal of this program is to develop next-generation OPIR Polar (NGP) missile warning satellites that will provide global infrared coverage. These will allow the United States to detect missile launches from land or sea anywhere in the world. Investments in this technology help the US stay ahead of the missile and counterspace advances made by the country’s adversaries.

9. Innovative Advanced Technologies ($1.1 billion)

Military command center, computer screen and woman in surveillance, headphones and technology for communication. Security, satellite world map and soldier at monitor in army office in government control room.

This budget line covers several different programs that will benefit all branches of the military. It involves new technologies in avionics, robotics and artificial intelligence, as well as finding the most effective ways to structure operations and manage information for a more lethal military.

8. Sustained Missile Warning Missile Tracking – Low Earth Orbit (LEO) ($1.3 billion)

The new space shuttle with a light path flies to the amazing starry sky. Embarking on a space mission and exploring the cosmos. Successful missile launch. Rocket launch into space with bright light.

This research project develops low-Earth orbit satellites to monitor battlefield conditions, aim weapons at targets beyond line of sight, and support missile warning, tracking, and defense.

7. F-35 C2D2 ($1.3 billion)

The F35 is the Air Force’s newest generation fighter jet.

The F-35 C2D2 is a state-of-the-art attack aircraft development and delivery program for the United States and its international partners. The development of the F-35 was a multinational effort between the United States and some of its key allies. It is a controversial project due to cost overruns, delays and technical issues related to the complexity of the aircraft. One of the Defense Department’s goals is to standardize the various F-35 variants as much as possible to reduce costs, facilitate incremental system-wide improvements, and allow easier customization by allies for their specific defense needs.

6. Other production fees ($1.5 billion)

Orange document file and Top Secret stamp on wooden table, top view

This category is a full range that includes some classified programs as well as projects related to electronic warfare, advanced pilot training systems, automated test systems, and solutions to supply logistics problems.

5. Aviation – Advanced Development ($1.5 billion)

Military drone aircraft cockpit, 3D graphic dashboard display search target

This budget area supports the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) project to develop a family of vertical lift aircraft. They will facilitate urban and combat security missions, maritime interdictions, medical evacuations, disaster relief and humanitarian missions, and military supply operations.

4. Space technology development and prototyping ($2.1 billion)

Three satellite dishes at sunset

Space technology development and prototyping aims to develop and demonstrate state-of-the-art space capabilities for communications and data transmission.

3. Link Plumeria ($2.1 billion)

A catapult crew member watches the launch of an F/A-18C Hornet from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise

Link Plumeria is the previously classified code name for a US Navy program to develop a next-generation manned fighter. The new aircraft will replace the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet starting in the 2030s. The Navy and Air Force are developing different fighter designs for their specific needs. The Navy, for example, has less need for stealth capabilities in its aircraft than the Air Force.

2. Next Generation Air Dominance ($2.3 billion)

This program focuses on improving the survivability, potency and interoperability of air assets in military operations. It includes advanced software development to facilitate autonomous air superiority technologies with unmanned weapon systems working alongside manned systems.

1. Strategic Ground Deterrence EMD ($3.7 billion)

Rocket launch into space. Elements of this image furnished by NASA. High quality photo

The Sentinel program is the Air Force’s project to develop and field the latest generation of ICBMs to replace the aging Minuteman III system. The project will include building new missile silos and ground control centers to replace the existing ones. Current plans are for the Sentinel missiles to be launched starting in 2029.

Take this retirement quiz to be paired with an advisor now (sponsored)

Are you ready for retirement? Planning for retirement can be overwhelming, so it might be a good idea to talk to a trusted financial advisor about your goals today.

Get started by taking this retirement quiz right here at SmartAsset, which will match you with up to 3 financial advisors serving your area and beyond in 5 minutes. Smart Asset now matches over 50,000 people per month.

Click here now to get started.

The post US Army is doing $3.7 billion worth of R&D on these missile silos appeared first on 24/7 Wall St.