Army Steers Towards New Combat VehicleMay 13, 2009
 The U.S. Army plans to build a new combat vehicle that can better withstand roadside bombs, replacing about $87 billion worth of vehicles that Defense Secretary Robert Gates wants to strip from the Future Combat Systems program, according to an article on MSNC.com. Gates wants to shift the focus and build hardware that is geared for wars that involve insurgents and small mobile forces rather than for the conventional wars that the military has longed planned to fight. The Pentagon hopes the new vehicle will roll out within seven years. MSNBC.com noted that the Army might begin the process of awarding a new contract for this vehicle by this fall. The Pentagon did not specify how much the new equipment would cost. But the Future Combat System program — estimated to cost about $169 billion — has a mix of high-tech gadgetry and heavy firepower. Production is to be overseen by Boeing and SAIC Inc., but will involve many of the country's largest defense contractors. The Army's base budget of $142 billion is actually $2 billion higher than the previous year, but most of the increase is slated for running a larger force. Weapons spending is set to drop as the Pentagon focuses on unconventional warfare. The Army has asked for more funds for equipment like helicopters that can negotiate rugged terrain in places like Afghanistan. Spending on heavy equipment like Abrams tanks and Stryker armored personnel carriers, however, will drop, according to the article. (Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army) |
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