In 2020 the Navy had a simple plan to build its next fleet of small warships, the Constellation class: take a European design and build it in America.In 2020 the Navy had a simple plan to build its next fleet of small warships, the Constellation class: buy a European design and build it in America.
Opinion
The Editorial Board
make what the Military
needs
By The Editorial BoardThe editorial board is a group of opinion journalists whose views are informed by expertise, research, debate and certain longstanding values. It is separate from the newsroom.
At the height of the Cold War, dozens of U.S. companies competed to make weapons for the Pentagon.
After the Soviet Union collapsed, Pentagon officials convened a meeting known as “The Last Supper,” instructing companies to merge or fail.
Now only five major defense contractors remain. Their business depends on the military, and the military depends on them.
Protected from competition, the companies have little incentive to innovate or hold down costs.
