Button for $47,000: US Secretary of the Army Criticizes the Defense Industry

U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll sharply criticized the defense industry. He accused it of imposing expensive and inefficient solutions.

According to him, the contractors “deceived the American people and the army”. They forced the purchase of specialized products, although cheaper and more effective alternatives already existed on the market, opex360 reports.

A striking example of inefficiency was the M10 Booker tank. It was supposed to be lightweight, but in the process of development it turned into a 42-ton machine that was unsuitable for transportation by C-130J aircraft, so the project was stopped. Driscoll called it “an example of failed procurement practices.”

Scandals with inflated prices continue. According to a Pentagon inspection, Boeing sold parts for C-17 aircraft at a price 55 times higher than the market price. It also became known that a button for a Black Hawk helicopter cost the army $47,000, although its analog costs $15.

It is worth noting that all military parts are subject to certification. Because of this, the cost can increase several times due to changes in materials, design, temperature range, number of positions, etc.

For example, a 7690K8 toggle switch costs $15 on the commercial market. But a MIL-SPEC 2TL1-50 certified one costs from $60, as it has IP protection and is designed specifically for aviation. Sometimes prices reach more than $1000.

The US Army is now changing its approach. 90% of purchases should be commercial solutions, and 10% should be specialized. This will allow for a faster response to challenges and reduced costs. For example, the new M1E3 Abrams tank will be powered by a commercially available Caterpillar engine.