Posted on 01/31/2023 4:11:35 PM PST by Nervous Tick
As a follow up to our previous item asking questions about our grand strategy toward Russia, Iran, and the Ukranian war (such as whether the Biden Administration has a grand strategy at all), this item from today’s Wall Street Journal jumps out:
Yet the largest ground war in Europe since World War II isn’t translating into boom times for U.S. defense contractors. Hobbled by supply chain disruptions, a tight labor market and a Pentagon procurement process that can take years, arms makers have been struggling to respond to the soaring demand. . .
When the Pentagon ordered new Stinger antiaircraft missiles—widely used in Ukraine—in August, it was the first U.S. order from Raytheon for the weapons in 18 years. By December, Ukraine had burned through 13 years of production, said Greg Hayes, chief executive of Raytheon. Five years worth of Javelin missiles had also been used in the conflict.
Raytheon was still making some Stingers for an overseas customer before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but found some suppliers had gone out of business and had to redesign parts to boost production.
“You have to recreate this entire system that was basically shut down and went scattered to the winds,” the Pentagon’s chief weapons buyer Bill LaPlante said.
(Excerpt) Read more at powerlineblog.com ...
Is “ https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2023/01/war-games-2.php” really the title?
No, I screwed up. Actual title is:
War Games (2)
I submitted a plea for help to the Higher Power. ;-)
Why is my nose suddenly touching the screen?
Thanks Admin Mod!
Check the Pelosi’s recent investments.. d;^)
The entire defense industrial base needs to be revamped, starting with the raw materials that go into production. All of this outsourcing crap has crippled our ability to defend ourselves - just imagine how fast we would deplete our munitions if we got into a shooting war, as opposed to only supplying Ukraine.
“As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches its first anniversary, confidence has faded. Instead, officials in some capitals now fear the Kremlin, which is willing to keep throwing men and materiel into the war, could gain the upper hand in any lengthy war of attrition.
I repeat the question from the previous installment: if Ukraine starts to lose, how are our media and political elites going to react?”
Will the escalation lead to sending Americans into the Occupier of the WH’s war.
>> All of this outsourcing crap has crippled our ability to defend ourselves
Yes and Amen.
But America still makes great hollywood moovies & sends NFL football games around the world! And equity. Don’t forget equity.
Yep. Good question.
I usually think I’m good at reading people’s intentions, but Putin has me baffled. Does anybody know what his endgame is? Does he want to take all of Ukraine? Ukraine and neighboring countries? Or does he just want the eastern provinces and Crimea. I’d be interested in anybody’a well-considered opinions.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.