The Economics of National Defense – George Will Gets It Wrong Again

Please Call Us When He Gets Something Right

The perennially wrong George Will, Conservative columnist for the Washington Post recently opined on national defense.  Mr. Will is horrified, yes horrified, that the U. S. may not be spending enough on national defense.  His particular concern is focused on the new jet fighter

The priciest new weapon, the stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (at least $90 million per plane), is vital for the continued salience of aircraft carriers, which are the basis of the U.S. strategic presence in the Western Pacific.

Inferring China’s geopolitical intentions from its military purchases is difficult, but Panetta says guardedly that in five years China’s force projection will be “much better.” The Marines, with their smaller carriers, need a short-takeoff model F-35. Cut the number of planes built, the cost per plane rises, and the ability to recoup costs through sales to allies declines.

And he is obviously worried that the U. S. won’t be spending enough on them.  On the other side of the issue is that well known anti-defense Senator, John McCain who is also horrified.  His horror comes from the cost of the program.

A new Pentagon forecast showing the total cost of owning and operating a fleet of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters topping $1 trillion over more than 50 years has caused a case of sticker shock in Washington.

And that price tag doesn't even include the $385 billion the Defense Department will spend to purchase 2,500 of the stealthy planes through 2035.

During a Senate hearing this month, Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.) called the $1 trillion figure "jaw-dropping," particularly when compared with the costs of operating other aircraft.

When John McCain starts questioning defense spending you know you have a problem.  Oh and Mr. Will the cost is about $113 million per plane and rising.  But then accuracy in reporting never was part of your shtick was it?