So, why super-weapons if the elites are going to deliever us to the ET's, Russians, and Chinese?
Sci-fi. Good and interesting sci-fi. Even thought provoking sci-fi. But sci-fi never the less.
At least a couple of reasons.
1) There are factions, reportedly, which are fairly convinced--probably with very good reason--that at least some of the ET's are out for our enslavement or worse. And, they want to evolve super weapons sufficiently to deal with the ET's at least hold them at bay.
2) They are certainly intent on using the super weapons as impressive convincing toward coercing the world's nations and citizens into a global government of absolute control over every individual.
3) Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Have you ever known power mongers to freely give up their powerful pretty expensive toys?
BTW, I think you assumptions about it all being sci fi are . . .
exceedingly unmindful of a great number of puzzle pieces. . . . certainly of certain categories of quality puzzle pieces.
But, hey--we all have our assumptions.