I’ve spent a career in the military-industrial business. For three years I was the engineering manager of Talla-Com Industries which was, at the time owned by Tadiran, which, at the time was an Israeli owned company. Israeli equipment was superior in every way. It was more innovative and the companies were more risk tolerant in trying new concepts and innovations. Their engineering staff had a firm basis in theory which led them to rapid designs and proof-of-concept solutions. Although it was sometimes annoying, there was easier communications as the lowliest engineer felt it was his obligation that the president hear him out. That never happened in an American company that I was aware of.
So, money is the big obstacle. On the other hand, lack of money drives innovation too.
For example, Israel is the world’s largest innovator and producer of drone aircraft. The US military buys several of their products. Drones are cheap and disposable and, most importantly, they don’t risk a pilot who could become a hostage.
If I had to go to war and I could pick any hardware in the world, I’d probably pick Israeli made products.
Truer words were never said.