The US defence industry is more focused on profit than on the nation’s security. This is evidenced by the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a project that has cost over $1.5 trillion but is plagued by technical issues and is outperformed by older, cheaper aircraft. The industry’s influence on politics is also problematic, with defence contractors donating to politicians who then support bloated military budgets. This has led to a situation where the US spends more on defence than the next ten countries combined, yet is still not the safest country in the world.
The defence industry’s focus on profit over security extends to war zones. Private military contractors, such as Blackwater, have been involved in numerous scandals, including the killing of civilians. Yet, these companies continue to receive lucrative contracts. This is because the industry’s primary goal is to generate profit, not to ensure national security.
The US defence industry’s focus on profit over security is not a new phenomenon. During the Cold War, the industry was known for its wasteful spending and poor performance. The F-35 project is just the latest example of this trend. Despite its numerous flaws, the project continues because it is profitable for the industry, not because it is beneficial for national security.
Go to source article: https://pando.com/2014/12/18/the-war-nerd-more-proof-the-us-defense-industry-has-nothing-to-do-with-defending-america/