The Military's Struggle To Modernize

This podcast episode explores the development and challenges faced by the U.S. Navy in modernizing its fleet, with a specific focus on unmanned naval vessels. These vessels, capable of operating autonomously for long durations, offer cost-effective solutions for surveillance, threat detection, and intelligence gathering. However, the Navy is currently facing an imbalance in funding between traditional battleships and unmanned vessels, partly due to the influence of lobbyists and the importance of shipbuilding jobs. The episode also delves into the complexities of developing and deploying autonomous weapons systems, and the military's shift in focus from counterterrorism to preparing for potential conflicts with China. It highlights the impact of innovative technologies, such as drones and satellite imagery, in recent conflicts and raises concerns about the Department of Defense's reliance on private companies for critical infrastructure.