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 programs “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 the military’s modernization projects that were canceled partially due to a lack of funds.
Future Combat Systems
A prototype of the Non-Line-of-Sight-Cannon, a component of the 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Follow-On: The project was ultimately superseded by the Ground Combat Vehicle Program.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Follow-On: The helicopter was superseded by the later canceled Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter project.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
An artist’s concept drawing of the 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
The Airborne Laser in flight with the mirror unstowed.
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
A conceptual drawing of the VH-71 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Follow-On: The project was ultimately superseded by the Amphibious Combat Vehicle program.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
An E-8, which was intended to be replaced by the E-10.
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
An artist’s rendition of the Space-Based Infrared System — 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
An SDV is docked into place by Navy SEALs.
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
The Aerial Common Sensor was replaced with the P-8 (pictured).
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
Pictured above are two DDG 51 destroyers, which were purchased instead of the CG(X).
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
The HH60 Pave Hawk, which was produced as part of the Critical Rescue Helicopter program.
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
Concept art for the Long Range Strike-Bomber that replaced the Next Generation Bomber project.
Branch: Army
Sunk Costs: $18.1 billion
Follow-On: The project was restarted as the Long Range Strike-Bomber.
