Sounds more like TR-3 did not have a fully successful DT/OT and someone still decided to deploy it to the fleet anyway.
All depends on where the “defects” are; Software, Hardware or BOTH!
“...and someone still decided to deploy it to the fleet anyway.”
I spent over thirty years in the defense industry. The problem is often unrealistic goals and objectives and those are tied to performance bonuses which can run into the millions of dollars. “What do you mean it doesn’t work? It has to be out of here by Friday, or you can find another job.” (Usually, it’s not stated so bluntly, but the idea comes across loud and clear.) The same is true on the military side. Nobody wants to tell a screaming A-hole general* that he can’t have the thing he ordered anytime soon. So, they just sign off on it.
* I personally experienced a literal, screaming Navy captain and a literal, dress-you-down-to-impress-everyone-else general. In the case of the captain, I ignored his rudeness and proceeded with my reasoning as to what the problem was. My boss touched my leg under the table and whispered, “Just drop it.” So that’s at least one reason why stupid stuff happens even when the underlings know the truth.
Incidentally, when I got higher in the hierarchy, I was careful to never raise my voice when someone told me something I’d have to deal with. I told everyone, if there’s a problem and you don’t tell me about it, then I’d be upset. Maybe this is why I peeked and started going back down the hierarchy. In the end I was grateful to be laid off.