Estimating the cost of a weapon system or a force is difficult. Estimates are made before the system exists, rely on assumptions about technology and production, and can change as …
How Defense Costs Are Estimated Read More
Readiness is often debated but rarely defined. Here is what the term covers and why it is hard to measure.
Readiness: What It Means and How It’s Measured Read More
The defense industrial base faces challenges such as limited suppliers, workforce shortages, and long lead times for complex systems. Many of these are structural. Policies that might help include stable …
Industrial Base Challenges: Why There Are No Quick Fixes Read More
The defense industrial base is the network of companies that design, build, and maintain military equipment. Here is how it is structured.
The Defense Industrial Base Explained Read More
The United States and Israel have long cooperated on defense, including security assistance, joint research, and co-development of some systems. Missile defense programs are among the best-known areas. Cooperation is …
U.S.-Israel Defense Industrial Cooperation: An Overview Read More
When budgets fall or stay flat, defense planners must choose among readiness, force size, and modernization. Replacing aging equipment is costly and can be delayed when funds are tight. The …
Budget Pressure and Military Modernization: How Cuts Affect Programs Read More
Defense budgets are among the largest items in many national budgets, so they attract scrutiny. Supporters of higher spending argue that deterrence and readiness require sustained investment and that threats …
Why Defense Spending Is Debated: Basic Arguments Read More
From identifying a need to fielding a system, acquisition is a long process. Here are its main stages.
How Weapons Systems Are Acquired Read More
Budget documents use specialized language. This glossary helps you read them.
Reading a Defense Budget Request: Key Terms Read More
The defense budget is created through a multi-year process involving the Pentagon, the White House, and Congress. Here is how it works.
How the U.S. Defense Budget Is Built Read More