After putting out an open call for the arms industry to offer new weapons and other systems for Ukraine, the Pentagon is now reviewing hundreds of proposals as US arms makers stand to reap the benefits of President Biden’s Ukraine policy.
On April 22, the Pentagon posted a Request for Information on the website SAM.gov for new weapons that could be rapidly delivered to Ukrainian forces. The listing closed Friday, but at this point the Pentagon won’t offer details on when it might start handing out contracts.
Pentagon acquisition chief Bill LaPlante said the offers range in arms that could be delivered in as soon as 30 days or up to six months. He said the hundreds of proposals could help mitigate supply chain issues Pentagon is facing as it pours billions in weapons into Ukraine.
The US is having issues with the production of Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, thousands of which have been sent to Ukraine since Russia invaded on February 24. Lockheed Martin, which produces Javelins with Raytheon, said Sunday that it plans to double its production of the anti-tank systems.
“Right now, our capacity is 2,100 Javelin missiles per year. We’re endeavoring to take that up to 4,000 per year, and that will take a number of months, maybe even a couple of years to get there because we have to get our supply chain to also crank up,” said Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet.
Last week, President Biden visited a Lockheed facility in Alabama that manufactures Javelin in an unusual trip that highlights his focus on arming Ukraine. During a speech at the plant, Biden praised Lockheed workers for making the weapon. “The bottom line is I came to say thank you, thank you, thank you. That’s the reason I’m here,” he said.
Does this “hurry up and rush” kind of remind anyone of the rushed development of the flawed Covid vaccine? But, it’s true, we human have a very, very long history of using technology to quickly advance warfare. Personally, I think going to Mars, while kind of insane, is a better goal.
What did Trump call it? Project Warp Speed? I think going to Mars is kind of stupid. The only reason we want to go there is because China wants to go there.
How can the US support Ukraine when the US economy is tanking?
All that treasure for a European war that makes no secret of wanting blood as well.
Meanwhile US store shelves are empty of baby formula, which was already made hard to access by runaway inflation.
But hey, mothers don’t matter to the war machine now that AI, drones, and robots are on the horizon that can mostly replace soldiers of flesh and blood.
Yes, first Lend-Lease, now conversion to war production, you can see where this is going. We all must do our part. Babies will have to tighten their belts.
There is nary any iodine to purchase. I have looked online. Quite a few people in the brave, warmonger U.S. of A. are just a little afraid of where things are headed.
Like a kid in a candy store with mommy’s credit card.
The rate of Javelin and Stinger production and its transfer to Ukraine is not even Close to their imminent Destruction by Russia…! Lol…!
Tax payers money go to the defense . May be defense should be privatized . Weapons should begiven free by defense manufacturers and if the business survives that means defense -supported party or side wins,defense gets a cut from the country .
Let the shareholders shoulder the burden ,cost,and take the risk just like the risks are shouldered by any other shareholders of any other businesses.
I guesse defense still get its cut from Ukranian gov if the Uki wins .