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Drone swarms, AI, and hypersonics: The Pentagon’s $179B tech budget
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The Pentagon just requested a
The Pentagon just requested a record-breaking $179 billion just for
record-breaking $179 billion just for
record-breaking $179 billion just for research and development. This money
research and development. This money
research and development. This money isn't going to buy new tanks, planes, or
isn't going to buy new tanks, planes, or
isn't going to buy new tanks, planes, or missiles. It's to invent what's going to
missiles. It's to invent what's going to
missiles. It's to invent what's going to come after those. This is the largest
come after those. This is the largest
come after those. This is the largest R&D budget in Department of Defense
R&D budget in Department of Defense
R&D budget in Department of Defense history, and it's an illuminating look
history, and it's an illuminating look
history, and it's an illuminating look into what the Pentagon sees as the
into what the Pentagon sees as the
into what the Pentagon sees as the future of warfare. This money is being
future of warfare. This money is being
future of warfare. This money is being poured into research into drone swarms,
poured into research into drone swarms,
poured into research into drone swarms, hypersonic missiles, battlefield lasers,
hypersonic missiles, battlefield lasers,
hypersonic missiles, battlefield lasers, artificial intelligence, quantum
artificial intelligence, quantum
artificial intelligence, quantum navigation, and whatever else DARPA is
navigation, and whatever else DARPA is
navigation, and whatever else DARPA is cooking up that they're still keeping
cooking up that they're still keeping
cooking up that they're still keeping under wraps. This is more than Russia's
under wraps. This is more than Russia's
under wraps. This is more than Russia's entire military budget, which was about
entire military budget, which was about
entire military budget, which was about $130 billion last year and is about half
$130 billion last year and is about half
$130 billion last year and is about half of China's total military budget. And
of China's total military budget. And
of China's total military budget. And yes, that's using the 300 plus billion
yes, that's using the 300 plus billion
yes, that's using the 300 plus billion dollar estimate, which includes all
dollar estimate, which includes all
dollar estimate, which includes all their shadowy stuff, and not their
their shadowy stuff, and not their
their shadowy stuff, and not their official $230 billion budget. This
official $230 billion budget. This
official $230 billion budget. This represents the US military going allin
represents the US military going allin
represents the US military going allin on a single bet that whoever builds the
on a single bet that whoever builds the
on a single bet that whoever builds the future first might not have to fight the
future first might not have to fight the
future first might not have to fight the wars of the future. So today, we're
wars of the future. So today, we're
wars of the future. So today, we're going to break down where a lot of this
going to break down where a lot of this
going to break down where a lot of this money is going, what is meant to build,
money is going, what is meant to build,
money is going, what is meant to build, and what it tells us about how the US
and what it tells us about how the US
and what it tells us about how the US expects to fight the next war.
This particular budget is for the RDT&n
This particular budget is for the RDT&n or research development test and
or research development test and
or research development test and evaluation budget. It's the money spent
evaluation budget. It's the money spent
evaluation budget. It's the money spent to invent new technologies, test them to
to invent new technologies, test them to
to invent new technologies, test them to death, and decide whether they're worth
death, and decide whether they're worth
death, and decide whether they're worth building at scale. If done right, it can
building at scale. If done right, it can
building at scale. If done right, it can even save a ton of money down the line,
even save a ton of money down the line,
even save a ton of money down the line, and give the US a huge advantage. Things
and give the US a huge advantage. Things
and give the US a huge advantage. Things like the actual internet, GPS, digital
like the actual internet, GPS, digital
like the actual internet, GPS, digital photography, and even Apple Siri can be
photography, and even Apple Siri can be
photography, and even Apple Siri can be traced directly back to RDTiny budgets.
traced directly back to RDTiny budgets.
traced directly back to RDTiny budgets. And yes, Siri was born in a DARPA lab
And yes, Siri was born in a DARPA lab
And yes, Siri was born in a DARPA lab where it was known as the cognitive
where it was known as the cognitive
where it was known as the cognitive assistant that learns and organizes or
assistant that learns and organizes or
assistant that learns and organizes or Kao. Yeah, it's it's hard to believe,
Kao. Yeah, it's it's hard to believe,
Kao. Yeah, it's it's hard to believe, but at the time it was pretty advanced
but at the time it was pretty advanced
but at the time it was pretty advanced and could do more than say, "I found
and could do more than say, "I found
and could do more than say, "I found some web results I can show them if you
some web results I can show them if you
some web results I can show them if you ask again from your iPhone." Thanks for
ask again from your iPhone." Thanks for
ask again from your iPhone." Thanks for nothing, Siri. This $179.5
nothing, Siri. This $179.5
nothing, Siri. This $179.5 billion across all branches and agencies
billion across all branches and agencies
billion across all branches and agencies is up nearly 10 billion from the FY2025
is up nearly 10 billion from the FY2025
is up nearly 10 billion from the FY2025 and it's over 70 billion higher than
and it's over 70 billion higher than
and it's over 70 billion higher than FY2020. It's now a bigger line item than
FY2020. It's now a bigger line item than
FY2020. It's now a bigger line item than what the Navy and Air Force are planning
what the Navy and Air Force are planning
what the Navy and Air Force are planning on spending on new weapons this year and
on spending on new weapons this year and
on spending on new weapons this year and it's the most aggressive one since the
it's the most aggressive one since the
it's the most aggressive one since the Cold War. Before we get started, we want
Cold War. Before we get started, we want
Cold War. Before we get started, we want to thank Odo for sponsoring today's
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run. Let ODO make it easier. The largest
run. Let ODO make it easier. The largest single chunk of money, $4.7 billion, is
single chunk of money, $4.7 billion, is
single chunk of money, $4.7 billion, is going to the Air Force's long range
going to the Air Force's long range
going to the Air Force's long range strike bomber program. Last year, it got
strike bomber program. Last year, it got
strike bomber program. Last year, it got just 2.7 billion. And this makes it the
just 2.7 billion. And this makes it the
just 2.7 billion. And this makes it the largest line item in the entire $179
largest line item in the entire $179
largest line item in the entire $179 billion RDTini budget. That might be
billion RDTini budget. That might be
billion RDTini budget. That might be hard to believe that the largest item in
hard to believe that the largest item in
hard to believe that the largest item in a nearly $180 billion budget is under
a nearly $180 billion budget is under
a nearly $180 billion budget is under five billion total, but the DoD funds a
five billion total, but the DoD funds a
five billion total, but the DoD funds a whole lot of R&D programs with the hopes
whole lot of R&D programs with the hopes
whole lot of R&D programs with the hopes that a few will take off. This is the
that a few will take off. This is the
that a few will take off. This is the Pentagon's version of Spray and Prey,
Pentagon's version of Spray and Prey,
Pentagon's version of Spray and Prey, but we are funding the ammo. And I guess
but we are funding the ammo. And I guess
but we are funding the ammo. And I guess we're always funding the ammo no matter
we're always funding the ammo no matter
we're always funding the ammo no matter who's shooting it. Uh, but you get the
who's shooting it. Uh, but you get the
who's shooting it. Uh, but you get the point. This item in particular is the
point. This item in particular is the
point. This item in particular is the catch-all line for R&D tied to America's
catch-all line for R&D tied to America's
catch-all line for R&D tied to America's future bomber fleet, which today mostly
future bomber fleet, which today mostly
future bomber fleet, which today mostly means one thing, the B-21 Raider. The
means one thing, the B-21 Raider. The
means one thing, the B-21 Raider. The B-21 is a stealth, long range nuclear
B-21 is a stealth, long range nuclear
B-21 is a stealth, long range nuclear capable bomber designed to eventually
capable bomber designed to eventually
capable bomber designed to eventually replace the B2 and the B1. It's built to
replace the B2 and the B1. It's built to
replace the B2 and the B1. It's built to fly deep into contested airspace, carry
fly deep into contested airspace, carry
fly deep into contested airspace, carry everything from conventional JDAMs to
everything from conventional JDAMs to
everything from conventional JDAMs to nuclear weapons and potentially even
nuclear weapons and potentially even
nuclear weapons and potentially even deploy autonomous drones or hypersonic
deploy autonomous drones or hypersonic
deploy autonomous drones or hypersonic missiles down the road. So yeah, the B2,
missiles down the road. So yeah, the B2,
missiles down the road. So yeah, the B2, which just pulled off a record- setting
which just pulled off a record- setting
which just pulled off a record- setting flight to drop the MOP bombs over Iran,
flight to drop the MOP bombs over Iran,
flight to drop the MOP bombs over Iran, already has a replacement. As of 2025,
already has a replacement. As of 2025,
already has a replacement. As of 2025, at least six B-21 test airframes are
at least six B-21 test airframes are
at least six B-21 test airframes are already flying. The Air Force is
already flying. The Air Force is
already flying. The Air Force is expected to buy at least 100 Raiders at
expected to buy at least 100 Raiders at
expected to buy at least 100 Raiders at a total program cost that could exceed
a total program cost that could exceed
a total program cost that could exceed $200 billion. But this line item is not
$200 billion. But this line item is not
$200 billion. But this line item is not just for building airframes. This line
just for building airframes. This line
just for building airframes. This line item will cover things like stealth
item will cover things like stealth
item will cover things like stealth coding research and development,
coding research and development,
coding research and development, defensive avionics and jamming systems,
defensive avionics and jamming systems,
defensive avionics and jamming systems, weapons integration, logistics and
weapons integration, logistics and
weapons integration, logistics and sustainment infrastructure, and early
sustainment infrastructure, and early
sustainment infrastructure, and early work on NGAD bomber interoperability and
work on NGAD bomber interoperability and
work on NGAD bomber interoperability and man unmanned teameming, which we'll talk
man unmanned teameming, which we'll talk
man unmanned teameming, which we'll talk about a little later on. While most of
about a little later on. While most of
about a little later on. While most of the B-21 program is still shrouded in
the B-21 program is still shrouded in
the B-21 program is still shrouded in classification, the size of this line
classification, the size of this line
classification, the size of this line item is a clear signal. The Pentagon is
item is a clear signal. The Pentagon is
item is a clear signal. The Pentagon is betting big that the next war will
betting big that the next war will
betting big that the next war will require penetrating strike aircraft that
require penetrating strike aircraft that
require penetrating strike aircraft that can fly long, stay hidden, and hit hard.
can fly long, stay hidden, and hit hard.
can fly long, stay hidden, and hit hard. The timing on this is not subtle. China
The timing on this is not subtle. China
The timing on this is not subtle. China is rapidly expanding its integrated air
is rapidly expanding its integrated air
is rapidly expanding its integrated air defenses and building out missile silos
defenses and building out missile silos
defenses and building out missile silos in hardened command sites in western
in hardened command sites in western
in hardened command sites in western China. North Korea, Iran, Russia, a lot
China. North Korea, Iran, Russia, a lot
China. North Korea, Iran, Russia, a lot of other people are all investing
of other people are all investing
of other people are all investing heavily in layered defenses and mobility
heavily in layered defenses and mobility
heavily in layered defenses and mobility of their air defense systems, especially
of their air defense systems, especially
of their air defense systems, especially after seeing how Iran was picked apart
after seeing how Iran was picked apart
after seeing how Iran was picked apart so easily. The operation midnight hammer
so easily. The operation midnight hammer
so easily. The operation midnight hammer strikes where the US flew those B2s over
strikes where the US flew those B2s over
strikes where the US flew those B2s over Iranian airspace without any problems
Iranian airspace without any problems
Iranian airspace without any problems will only push US adversaries to beef up
will only push US adversaries to beef up
will only push US adversaries to beef up their defenses because none of them are
their defenses because none of them are
their defenses because none of them are too thrilled about some bombers taking
too thrilled about some bombers taking
too thrilled about some bombers taking off from Missouri and dropping massive
off from Missouri and dropping massive
off from Missouri and dropping massive ordinance on their stuff. While swarming
ordinance on their stuff. While swarming
ordinance on their stuff. While swarming drones and AI assisted fighters get the
drones and AI assisted fighters get the
drones and AI assisted fighters get the buzz, the biggest pile of money for
buzz, the biggest pile of money for
buzz, the biggest pile of money for research is still going to big bombers
research is still going to big bombers
research is still going to big bombers with a human being at the controls. But
with a human being at the controls. But
with a human being at the controls. But long range bombers cannot solve every
long range bombers cannot solve every
long range bombers cannot solve every problem, especially when time or enemy
problem, especially when time or enemy
problem, especially when time or enemy defenses make man flights too risky.
defenses make man flights too risky.
defenses make man flights too risky. That's where hypersonics come in. And
That's where hypersonics come in. And
That's where hypersonics come in. And the US is betting 1.2 billion dollars to
the US is betting 1.2 billion dollars to
the US is betting 1.2 billion dollars to study the problem this year.
study the problem this year.
study the problem this year. Hypersonics, if you've been paying
Hypersonics, if you've been paying
Hypersonics, if you've been paying attention, are all the rage these days.
attention, are all the rage these days.
attention, are all the rage these days. Everybody who is anybody has some
Everybody who is anybody has some
Everybody who is anybody has some hypersonics. Even Iran claims they have
hypersonics. Even Iran claims they have
hypersonics. Even Iran claims they have some. These weapons though fly at Mach 5
some. These weapons though fly at Mach 5
some. These weapons though fly at Mach 5 or greater and Mach 5 is 3,836
or greater and Mach 5 is 3,836
or greater and Mach 5 is 3,836 mph and they even come with
mph and they even come with
mph and they even come with maneuverability so they can get around
maneuverability so they can get around
maneuverability so they can get around enemy missile defense systems. These
enemy missile defense systems. These
enemy missile defense systems. These programs include the Army's long range
programs include the Army's long range
programs include the Army's long range hypersonic weapon, also known officially
hypersonic weapon, also known officially
hypersonic weapon, also known officially as Dark Eagle. It's a land-based system
as Dark Eagle. It's a land-based system
as Dark Eagle. It's a land-based system with a range of 2,775
with a range of 2,775
with a range of 2,775 km. The first battery is expected to be
km. The first battery is expected to be
km. The first battery is expected to be operational by 2026.
operational by 2026.
operational by 2026. We will have a full video coming out on
We will have a full video coming out on
We will have a full video coming out on this weapon system shortly and maybe
this weapon system shortly and maybe
this weapon system shortly and maybe even on the Army's high Mars compatible
even on the Army's high Mars compatible
even on the Army's high Mars compatible hypersonic known as Blackbeard which is
hypersonic known as Blackbeard which is
hypersonic known as Blackbeard which is also being funded with this cash. The
also being funded with this cash. The
also being funded with this cash. The Navy's getting a chunk of this too to
Navy's getting a chunk of this too to
Navy's getting a chunk of this too to develop their conventional prop strike
develop their conventional prop strike
develop their conventional prop strike which is a hypersonic boost glide
which is a hypersonic boost glide
which is a hypersonic boost glide missile. They managed a successful test
missile. They managed a successful test
missile. They managed a successful test launch from a groundbased launch cell on
launch from a groundbased launch cell on
launch from a groundbased launch cell on May 2nd and a Zumwalt class destroyer
May 2nd and a Zumwalt class destroyer
May 2nd and a Zumwalt class destroyer has already test fitted the launcher and
has already test fitted the launcher and
has already test fitted the launcher and Virginia class subs could carry it by
Virginia class subs could carry it by
Virginia class subs could carry it by 2028. The Air Force killed off the
2028. The Air Force killed off the
2028. The Air Force killed off the troubled air launch rapid response
troubled air launch rapid response
troubled air launch rapid response weapon or ARRW at least for now because
weapon or ARRW at least for now because
weapon or ARRW at least for now because there is some talk about bringing it
there is some talk about bringing it
there is some talk about bringing it back. But they're doubling down on the
back. But they're doubling down on the
back. But they're doubling down on the hypersonic attack cruise missile, which
hypersonic attack cruise missile, which
hypersonic attack cruise missile, which is a nextgen air launched hypersonic
is a nextgen air launched hypersonic
is a nextgen air launched hypersonic standoff weapon that could be launched
standoff weapon that could be launched
standoff weapon that could be launched from multiple aircraft like the F-35 and
from multiple aircraft like the F-35 and
from multiple aircraft like the F-35 and potentially even B-52s because B-52s
potentially even B-52s because B-52s
potentially even B-52s because B-52s just don't die. They are eternal and
just don't die. They are eternal and
just don't die. They are eternal and they will never leave the US arsenal.
they will never leave the US arsenal.
they will never leave the US arsenal. Okay, so they probably will, but I mean
Okay, so they probably will, but I mean
Okay, so they probably will, but I mean they've been going strong. Hypersonic
they've been going strong. Hypersonic
they've been going strong. Hypersonic weapons are such a major focus because
weapons are such a major focus because
weapons are such a major focus because enemy air defenses are becoming more
enemy air defenses are becoming more
enemy air defenses are becoming more capable and traditional weapons like
capable and traditional weapons like
capable and traditional weapons like boring old cruise missiles like the
boring old cruise missiles like the
boring old cruise missiles like the Tomahawk or aircraft are at increased
Tomahawk or aircraft are at increased
Tomahawk or aircraft are at increased risk of being shot down. Maneuverable
risk of being shot down. Maneuverable
risk of being shot down. Maneuverable and stupid fast missiles are one way
and stupid fast missiles are one way
and stupid fast missiles are one way through and around these defenses at
through and around these defenses at
through and around these defenses at least until they catch up. But then
least until they catch up. But then
least until they catch up. But then we'll just build harder, better, faster,
we'll just build harder, better, faster,
we'll just build harder, better, faster, stronger. Shout out DAFF pump. Speaking
stronger. Shout out DAFF pump. Speaking
stronger. Shout out DAFF pump. Speaking of hypersonic defenses, this RDT&E
of hypersonic defenses, this RDT&E
of hypersonic defenses, this RDT&E budget is also dedicating $450 million
budget is also dedicating $450 million
budget is also dedicating $450 million behind defending from hypersonic
behind defending from hypersonic
behind defending from hypersonic missiles. And last year, that figure was
missiles. And last year, that figure was
missiles. And last year, that figure was only $182 million. So, you can kind of
only $182 million. So, you can kind of
only $182 million. So, you can kind of see where the importance is already.
see where the importance is already.
see where the importance is already. Hypersonics are big and the US really
Hypersonics are big and the US really
Hypersonics are big and the US really doesn't have too many solutions for
doesn't have too many solutions for
doesn't have too many solutions for them. So, they're going to research it.
them. So, they're going to research it.
them. So, they're going to research it. So to help aircraft make it through
So to help aircraft make it through
So to help aircraft make it through enemy defenses, collaborative combat
enemy defenses, collaborative combat
enemy defenses, collaborative combat aircraft or CCA, better known as loyal
aircraft or CCA, better known as loyal
aircraft or CCA, better known as loyal wingmen, are getting 1.6 billion dollars
wingmen, are getting 1.6 billion dollars
wingmen, are getting 1.6 billion dollars to research. These loyal wingmen, like
to research. These loyal wingmen, like
to research. These loyal wingmen, like the MQ28 Ghostbat or XQ58 Valkyrie,
the MQ28 Ghostbat or XQ58 Valkyrie,
the MQ28 Ghostbat or XQ58 Valkyrie, which are pretty sweet names, way better
which are pretty sweet names, way better
which are pretty sweet names, way better than most names for these things, are
than most names for these things, are
than most names for these things, are semi-aututonomous drones that fly along
semi-aututonomous drones that fly along
semi-aututonomous drones that fly along F-22s, F-35, or the future F-47 next
F-22s, F-35, or the future F-47 next
F-22s, F-35, or the future F-47 next generation air dominance fighter, or
generation air dominance fighter, or
generation air dominance fighter, or NGAD. These loyal wingmen can help
NGAD. These loyal wingmen can help
NGAD. These loyal wingmen can help conduct electronic warfare, launch
conduct electronic warfare, launch
conduct electronic warfare, launch missiles, even airto-air or airto
missiles, even airto-air or airto
missiles, even airto-air or airto ground, or they can conduct ISR with
ground, or they can conduct ISR with
ground, or they can conduct ISR with minimal human input. They've even been
minimal human input. They've even been
minimal human input. They've even been operated from an Australian E7 wedge
operated from an Australian E7 wedge
operated from an Australian E7 wedge tail and are being eyed to accompany
tail and are being eyed to accompany
tail and are being eyed to accompany cargo aircraft, aerial refueling
cargo aircraft, aerial refueling
cargo aircraft, aerial refueling tankers. Really, any aircraft that don't
tankers. Really, any aircraft that don't
tankers. Really, any aircraft that don't come with a whole lot of offensive or
come with a whole lot of offensive or
come with a whole lot of offensive or defensive capabilities, which means they
defensive capabilities, which means they
defensive capabilities, which means they have to stay out of the danger zone, or
have to stay out of the danger zone, or
have to stay out of the danger zone, or at least bring escort aircraft along to
at least bring escort aircraft along to
at least bring escort aircraft along to help protect them. This is more than
help protect them. This is more than
help protect them. This is more than just a drone revolution. It's a shift
just a drone revolution. It's a shift
just a drone revolution. It's a shift toward man machine teameming where AI
toward man machine teameming where AI
toward man machine teameming where AI assists human pilots or commanders or
assists human pilots or commanders or
assists human pilots or commanders or even takes initiative under fire.
even takes initiative under fire.
even takes initiative under fire. Although when you bring that up, people
Although when you bring that up, people
Although when you bring that up, people get pretty worried and it's
get pretty worried and it's
get pretty worried and it's understandable why. Speaking of that,
understandable why. Speaking of that,
understandable why. Speaking of that, Skynet is getting a big chunk of money
Skynet is getting a big chunk of money
Skynet is getting a big chunk of money too. Not Skynet exactly, but the
too. Not Skynet exactly, but the
too. Not Skynet exactly, but the Pentagon is budgeting over $1.8 billion
Pentagon is budgeting over $1.8 billion
Pentagon is budgeting over $1.8 billion for AI and autonomy projects this year.
for AI and autonomy projects this year.
for AI and autonomy projects this year. This includes AI assisted targeting and
This includes AI assisted targeting and
This includes AI assisted targeting and decision tools under project Maven and J
decision tools under project Maven and J
decision tools under project Maven and J Act 2, drone autonomy for scouting,
Act 2, drone autonomy for scouting,
Act 2, drone autonomy for scouting, jamming, and targeting, and predictive
jamming, and targeting, and predictive
jamming, and targeting, and predictive maintenance and logistics automation,
maintenance and logistics automation,
maintenance and logistics automation, which isn't very sexy, but hey,
which isn't very sexy, but hey,
which isn't very sexy, but hey, logistics and maintenance are important.
logistics and maintenance are important.
logistics and maintenance are important. Project Maven is a particularly
Project Maven is a particularly
Project Maven is a particularly interesting program and has been around
interesting program and has been around
interesting program and has been around since 2017, so it's not new, but it's
since 2017, so it's not new, but it's
since 2017, so it's not new, but it's becoming more and more important. In
becoming more and more important. In
becoming more and more important. In testing, Maven has been used to locate
testing, Maven has been used to locate
testing, Maven has been used to locate and identify targets using artificial
and identify targets using artificial
and identify targets using artificial intelligence. In a 2020 exercise called
intelligence. In a 2020 exercise called
intelligence. In a 2020 exercise called Scarlet Dragon, they had the Maven
Scarlet Dragon, they had the Maven
Scarlet Dragon, they had the Maven system identify an enemy tank using
system identify an enemy tank using
system identify an enemy tank using satellite imagery and then tag in a high
satellite imagery and then tag in a high
satellite imagery and then tag in a high Mars system to destroy it. This
Mars system to destroy it. This
Mars system to destroy it. This technology reduces the time and manpower
technology reduces the time and manpower
technology reduces the time and manpower it takes to get a positive
it takes to get a positive
it takes to get a positive identification on a target. And in an
identification on a target. And in an
identification on a target. And in an environment littered with enemy
environment littered with enemy
environment littered with enemy equipment in the air and on the ground,
equipment in the air and on the ground,
equipment in the air and on the ground, getting P of a target early can mean
getting P of a target early can mean
getting P of a target early can mean life or death. Currently though, a human
life or death. Currently though, a human
life or death. Currently though, a human is still in the kill chain, which you
is still in the kill chain, which you
is still in the kill chain, which you for now, and the robots aren't launching
for now, and the robots aren't launching
for now, and the robots aren't launching their own missiles or killing people
their own missiles or killing people
their own missiles or killing people willy-nilly,
willy-nilly,
willy-nilly, but let's keep an eye on that one.
Elsewhere in the budget is a $275
Elsewhere in the budget is a $275 million line item tied to the replicator
million line item tied to the replicator
million line item tied to the replicator program which is the DoD's plan to
program which is the DoD's plan to
program which is the DoD's plan to deploy thousands of attraable autonomous
deploy thousands of attraable autonomous
deploy thousands of attraable autonomous systems in their words in the next 18 to
systems in their words in the next 18 to
systems in their words in the next 18 to 24 months. Last year they spent just $69
24 months. Last year they spent just $69
24 months. Last year they spent just $69 million on it. So you can once again see
million on it. So you can once again see
million on it. So you can once again see where their heads are at. For the
where their heads are at. For the
where their heads are at. For the replicator program, you have to think
replicator program, you have to think
replicator program, you have to think cheap swarming drones, autonomous
cheap swarming drones, autonomous
cheap swarming drones, autonomous maritime vessels, and ground robots that
maritime vessels, and ground robots that
maritime vessels, and ground robots that scout, jam, or absorb fire. The goal of
scout, jam, or absorb fire. The goal of
scout, jam, or absorb fire. The goal of them is to overwhelm Chinese defenses
them is to overwhelm Chinese defenses
them is to overwhelm Chinese defenses with sheer quantity, not complexity,
with sheer quantity, not complexity,
with sheer quantity, not complexity, which is something that the United
which is something that the United
which is something that the United States really loves to do. We love to
States really loves to do. We love to
States really loves to do. We love to just buy the most complex frigin weapons
just buy the most complex frigin weapons
just buy the most complex frigin weapons ever, and then we only have like a
ever, and then we only have like a
ever, and then we only have like a hundred of them, and wouldn't you know
hundred of them, and wouldn't you know
hundred of them, and wouldn't you know it, we need more. But anyways, unlike
it, we need more. But anyways, unlike
it, we need more. But anyways, unlike traditional platforms, these can be
traditional platforms, these can be
traditional platforms, these can be built fast. They can be destroyed and
built fast. They can be destroyed and
built fast. They can be destroyed and replaced quickly. As Army Major General
replaced quickly. As Army Major General
replaced quickly. As Army Major General Brett Sylvia said in 2024 when
Brett Sylvia said in 2024 when
Brett Sylvia said in 2024 when discussing the Army shifting focus to
discussing the Army shifting focus to
discussing the Army shifting focus to unmanned assets, they are looking to
unmanned assets, they are looking to
unmanned assets, they are looking to trade steel for blood. As of mid 2025,
trade steel for blood. As of mid 2025,
trade steel for blood. As of mid 2025, though, none of these systems have been
though, none of these systems have been
though, none of these systems have been fielded yet, but the DoD insists they're
fielded yet, but the DoD insists they're
fielded yet, but the DoD insists they're coming and fast because they really
coming and fast because they really
coming and fast because they really don't have a choice. So, here's the
don't have a choice. So, here's the
don't have a choice. So, here's the really fun part where we get to talk
really fun part where we get to talk
really fun part where we get to talk about the blackbox projects in the
about the blackbox projects in the
about the blackbox projects in the Pentagon's RDTin budget. And out of the
Pentagon's RDTin budget. And out of the
Pentagon's RDTin budget. And out of the $179 billion set aside, they have 40
$179 billion set aside, they have 40
$179 billion set aside, they have 40 billion buried in what's commonly called
billion buried in what's commonly called
billion buried in what's commonly called the black budget. This is not some
the black budget. This is not some
the black budget. This is not some tinfoil hat conspiracy theory that we're
tinfoil hat conspiracy theory that we're
tinfoil hat conspiracy theory that we're just making up here. This is literally
just making up here. This is literally
just making up here. This is literally how the Pentagon classifies these things
how the Pentagon classifies these things
how the Pentagon classifies these things on the budget. In the FY2026 R1
on the budget. In the FY2026 R1
on the budget. In the FY2026 R1 documents, these appear as special
documents, these appear as special
documents, these appear as special activities, classified programs, or
activities, classified programs, or
activities, classified programs, or sometimes just blank lines with dollar
sometimes just blank lines with dollar
sometimes just blank lines with dollar amounts next to them. And that $40
amounts next to them. And that $40
amounts next to them. And that $40 billion number, that's larger than the
billion number, that's larger than the
billion number, that's larger than the entire defense budget of countries like
entire defense budget of countries like
entire defense budget of countries like Israel or even Poland. So, what's in it?
Israel or even Poland. So, what's in it?
Israel or even Poland. So, what's in it? We don't know. And that's the point. But
We don't know. And that's the point. But
We don't know. And that's the point. But based on historical patterns and
based on historical patterns and
based on historical patterns and congressional briefings, we can make a
congressional briefings, we can make a
congressional briefings, we can make a few educated guesses slash wild
few educated guesses slash wild
few educated guesses slash wild assertions. So, we talked about the
assertions. So, we talked about the
assertions. So, we talked about the B-21, but what comes after the B-21 with
B-21, but what comes after the B-21 with
B-21, but what comes after the B-21 with next generation stealth platforms like
next generation stealth platforms like
next generation stealth platforms like ENGAD drones or optionally manned recon
ENGAD drones or optionally manned recon
ENGAD drones or optionally manned recon aircraft? This could also be for
aircraft? This could also be for
aircraft? This could also be for advanced signal intelligence and
advanced signal intelligence and
advanced signal intelligence and electronic warfare systems, autonomous
electronic warfare systems, autonomous
electronic warfare systems, autonomous undersea vehicles for strategic strike
undersea vehicles for strategic strike
undersea vehicles for strategic strike or submarine tracking. It could even be
or submarine tracking. It could even be
or submarine tracking. It could even be space-based missile defense sensors,
space-based missile defense sensors,
space-based missile defense sensors, possibly even orbital interceptors like
possibly even orbital interceptors like
possibly even orbital interceptors like for the Golden Dome, which we've talked
for the Golden Dome, which we've talked
for the Golden Dome, which we've talked about before. It could also be directed
about before. It could also be directed
about before. It could also be directed energy weapons that aren't ready for
energy weapons that aren't ready for
energy weapons that aren't ready for public show and tell and possibly more
public show and tell and possibly more
public show and tell and possibly more than likely early work on quantum
than likely early work on quantum
than likely early work on quantum networks, AI enabled killchains, or even
networks, AI enabled killchains, or even
networks, AI enabled killchains, or even counter space weapons. Black budgets, as
counter space weapons. Black budgets, as
counter space weapons. Black budgets, as we all know, are not new, and things
we all know, are not new, and things
we all know, are not new, and things like the F-17 Nighthawk, the B2 Spirit,
like the F-17 Nighthawk, the B2 Spirit,
like the F-17 Nighthawk, the B2 Spirit, SR71, and RQ180 all spent years in the
SR71, and RQ180 all spent years in the
SR71, and RQ180 all spent years in the black budget before we even knew they
black budget before we even knew they
black budget before we even knew they existed. So, when you see a line in the
existed. So, when you see a line in the
existed. So, when you see a line in the budget that just says classified program
budget that just says classified program
budget that just says classified program element with $2 billion next to it, odds
element with $2 billion next to it, odds
element with $2 billion next to it, odds are it's not funding a weather balloon.
are it's not funding a weather balloon.
are it's not funding a weather balloon. And just like those earlier programs,
And just like those earlier programs,
And just like those earlier programs, some of these projects will never see
some of these projects will never see
some of these projects will never see the light of day. They'll be tested,
the light of day. They'll be tested,
the light of day. They'll be tested, maybe even a few will be built, but
maybe even a few will be built, but
maybe even a few will be built, but they'll be kept in the shadows until the
they'll be kept in the shadows until the
they'll be kept in the shadows until the day the Pentagon needs to reveal a new
day the Pentagon needs to reveal a new
day the Pentagon needs to reveal a new ace up its sleeve. That's the other
ace up its sleeve. That's the other
ace up its sleeve. That's the other reason the RDTiny budget is so high.
reason the RDTiny budget is so high.
reason the RDTiny budget is so high. It's not just buying answers. It's
It's not just buying answers. It's
It's not just buying answers. It's buying options for the future, which is
buying options for the future, which is
buying options for the future, which is pretty important. To make room for all
pretty important. To make room for all
pretty important. To make room for all of this R&D spending, the Pentagon did
of this R&D spending, the Pentagon did
of this R&D spending, the Pentagon did make some sacrifices elsewhere in its
make some sacrifices elsewhere in its
make some sacrifices elsewhere in its trillion dollar budget. F-35 procurement
trillion dollar budget. F-35 procurement
trillion dollar budget. F-35 procurement is being cut again. Abrams upgrades are
is being cut again. Abrams upgrades are
is being cut again. Abrams upgrades are delayed. Apache buys are down. And lots
delayed. Apache buys are down. And lots
delayed. Apache buys are down. And lots of other legacy programs have been
of other legacy programs have been
of other legacy programs have been slashed to the bones or just outright
slashed to the bones or just outright
slashed to the bones or just outright cancelled. The message in this is clear
cancelled. The message in this is clear
cancelled. The message in this is clear that we will fight with what we have,
that we will fight with what we have,
that we will fight with what we have, but we're not going to keep funding
but we're not going to keep funding
but we're not going to keep funding yesterday's tech at today's prices.
yesterday's tech at today's prices.
yesterday's tech at today's prices. Things like manned aircraft, large
Things like manned aircraft, large
Things like manned aircraft, large ships, tanks, armored vehicles, and even
ships, tanks, armored vehicles, and even
ships, tanks, armored vehicles, and even infantry weapons are all being
infantry weapons are all being
infantry weapons are all being reimagined as cheap drones wreak havoc
reimagined as cheap drones wreak havoc
reimagined as cheap drones wreak havoc across battlefields. Most of these
across battlefields. Most of these
across battlefields. Most of these programs being funded in the RDT&E
programs being funded in the RDT&E
programs being funded in the RDT&E budget will likely fail or end without
budget will likely fail or end without
budget will likely fail or end without anything produced. And a lot of people
anything produced. And a lot of people
anything produced. And a lot of people will call this a complete waste, but
will call this a complete waste, but
will call this a complete waste, but that's okay. R&D is supposed to fail
that's okay. R&D is supposed to fail
that's okay. R&D is supposed to fail most of the time. Knowledge is acred
most of the time. Knowledge is acred
most of the time. Knowledge is acred slowly and progress occurs
slowly and progress occurs
slowly and progress occurs incrementally, but as we've covered
incrementally, but as we've covered
incrementally, but as we've covered before, even failed programs donate
before, even failed programs donate
before, even failed programs donate parts and pieces to new efforts. Just
parts and pieces to new efforts. Just
parts and pieces to new efforts. Just look at things like the YAL1 airborne
look at things like the YAL1 airborne
look at things like the YAL1 airborne laser that never made a past prototype,
laser that never made a past prototype,
laser that never made a past prototype, but developed tech that was used in the
but developed tech that was used in the
but developed tech that was used in the Air Force's Shield and Army's DEM
Air Force's Shield and Army's DEM
Air Force's Shield and Army's DEM Shorrad Strikers. Or take a look at the
Shorrad Strikers. Or take a look at the
Shorrad Strikers. Or take a look at the X30 National Aerospace plane that never
X30 National Aerospace plane that never
X30 National Aerospace plane that never even flew. It was only tested in wind
even flew. It was only tested in wind
even flew. It was only tested in wind tunnels, but it directly contributed to
tunnels, but it directly contributed to
tunnels, but it directly contributed to developing hypersonic technology that we
developing hypersonic technology that we
developing hypersonic technology that we are making operational as we speak.
are making operational as we speak.
are making operational as we speak. These programs and the countless others
These programs and the countless others
These programs and the countless others included in the 121page RDTini budget
included in the 121page RDTini budget
included in the 121page RDTini budget document tell us a lot about what the
document tell us a lot about what the
document tell us a lot about what the Pentagon thinks is important today and
Pentagon thinks is important today and
Pentagon thinks is important today and will be in the immediate future. The US
will be in the immediate future. The US
will be in the immediate future. The US is not trying to outmatch China tank for
is not trying to outmatch China tank for
is not trying to outmatch China tank for tank or destroyer for destroyer because
tank or destroyer for destroyer because
tank or destroyer for destroyer because honestly, we just can't. So instead,
honestly, we just can't. So instead,
honestly, we just can't. So instead, they're betting that tech superiority
they're betting that tech superiority
they're betting that tech superiority and faster, cheaper, and smarter weapons
and faster, cheaper, and smarter weapons
and faster, cheaper, and smarter weapons can offset raw numbers. This is about
can offset raw numbers. This is about
can offset raw numbers. This is about asymmetric dominance with drones that
asymmetric dominance with drones that
asymmetric dominance with drones that overwhelm, missiles that can't be
overwhelm, missiles that can't be
overwhelm, missiles that can't be intercepted, and AI that processes
intercepted, and AI that processes
intercepted, and AI that processes targets before a human being even sees
targets before a human being even sees
targets before a human being even sees them. The Pentagon's 179 billion R&D
them. The Pentagon's 179 billion R&D
them. The Pentagon's 179 billion R&D budget isn't just a spending plan. It's
budget isn't just a spending plan. It's
budget isn't just a spending plan. It's a message. It says the US believes the
a message. It says the US believes the
a message. It says the US believes the next war will be fought and won in large
next war will be fought and won in large
next war will be fought and won in large part thanks to software, sensors,
part thanks to software, sensors,
part thanks to software, sensors, swarming drones, and decisions made at
swarming drones, and decisions made at
swarming drones, and decisions made at machine speed. This is recognition that
machine speed. This is recognition that
machine speed. This is recognition that what is influencing success on the
what is influencing success on the
what is influencing success on the battlefield today is vastly different
battlefield today is vastly different
battlefield today is vastly different from just 10 years ago. Tanks are
from just 10 years ago. Tanks are
from just 10 years ago. Tanks are reduced to burning hulks by cheap
reduced to burning hulks by cheap
reduced to burning hulks by cheap drones. GPS is being rendered useless by
drones. GPS is being rendered useless by
drones. GPS is being rendered useless by jammers. And missiles are being shot
jammers. And missiles are being shot
jammers. And missiles are being shot down by other missiles before they can
down by other missiles before they can
down by other missiles before they can even reach their target. So, we'll
even reach their target. So, we'll
even reach their target. So, we'll naturally keep an eye on this space
naturally keep an eye on this space
naturally keep an eye on this space because this is where the future of
because this is where the future of
because this is where the future of warfare is decided, or at least where
warfare is decided, or at least where
warfare is decided, or at least where people think it's going. And it's
people think it's going. And it's
people think it's going. And it's honestly just really fun to dig into
honestly just really fun to dig into
honestly just really fun to dig into these documents and see where all of our
these documents and see where all of our
these documents and see where all of our billions of dollars in taxes are going.
billions of dollars in taxes are going.
billions of dollars in taxes are going. Anyways, I wrote the script, Savvy
Anyways, I wrote the script, Savvy
Anyways, I wrote the script, Savvy edited the video, and I don't have a
edited the video, and I don't have a
edited the video, and I don't have a whole lot else for you but to say thank
whole lot else for you but to say thank
whole lot else for you but to say thank you again. Thanks to ODU for sponsoring
you again. Thanks to ODU for sponsoring
you again. Thanks to ODU for sponsoring this episode. Uh, you know, thanks to
this episode. Uh, you know, thanks to
this episode. Uh, you know, thanks to all of you leaving your comments,
all of you leaving your comments,
all of you leaving your comments, sharing the video, hitting that uh that
sharing the video, hitting that uh that
sharing the video, hitting that uh that that like button, anything really. I
that like button, anything really. I
that like button, anything really. I really appreciate it. The whole team
really appreciate it. The whole team
really appreciate it. The whole team behind me really appreciates it. And
behind me really appreciates it. And
behind me really appreciates it. And without further ado, I am Kyle, your
without further ado, I am Kyle, your
without further ado, I am Kyle, your friendly ginger producer man. You are
friendly ginger producer man. You are
friendly ginger producer man. You are all dismissed and I will see you all
all dismissed and I will see you all
all dismissed and I will see you all next
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