Special Report

America's 30 Future Weapons With Multi-Billion Dollar R&D Budgets

The B-21 Raider was unveiled to the public at a ceremony December 2, 2022 in Palmdale, Calif. Designed to operate in tomorrow's high-end threat environment, the B-21 will play a critical role in ensuring America's enduring airpower capability. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Tech. Sgt. William OBrien, 94th Airlift Wing photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Department of Defense (DOD) has a fiscal year 2024 budget request of $842 billion, a $26 billion increase over the previous year’s budget. This multi-billion dollar budget is deemed necessary because it allows the DOD to improve upon its security and defense objectives, some of which are defending the nation, preventing strategic attacks against the nation and its allies, and creating a strong joint force.

The planned spending will go into a range of weapons, from ships and boats to jets and missiles, with a rather large segment being utilized for the most advanced weapons programs. One of these is the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. RDT&E’s spending on upgrading an existing system for one destroyer amounted to over $700 million in the last three years.

In addition to the USS Arleigh Burke, the U.S. Navy announced it would add the following four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to their Service Life Extention Progam (SLEP): the USS Ramage. the USS Benfold, the USS Milius, and the USS Mitcher. This will keep them in service well into the 2030s. The announcement came at the same time the Navy contracted shipbuilders General Dynamics and HII to construct nine of the latest variant, or flight III, Arleigh Burkes.

To identify the 30 weapons the U.S. spends billions on in research and development, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the U.S. Department of Defense Budget FY 2024 Request. The DOD plans to spend at least $700 million in research and development, testing, and evaluation spending in the three fiscal years ending in September 2024 for the 30 defense systems listed here. Weapons are sorted in order of total RDT&E spending for those three years.

The U.S. Navy began procuring the destroyers in 1985 and spent a total of $17.3 billion on the program over the last three years — the fourth most. (See the U.S. military’s 36 oldest weapons still in service.) But the most expensive U.S. defense systems based on total spending over the three fiscal years ending in 2024 are Lockheed Martin’s Virginia-class attack submarine and the F-35 joint-strike fighter jet. 

According to the Congressional Research Service, the high-tech nuclear-powered Virginia-class general-purpose sub has been procured for $3 billion by the Navy at a rate of two per year since 2011. Additionally, it is costing nearly $25 billion over this three-year period, including nearly $1 billion in RDT&E over the last three years.

The largest procurement program of the DOD is the F-35 fighter program, whose planes are used by the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as the armed forces of several other nations. Total spending on the F-35 program will top $37 billion in the three years ending in 2024, including $6.7 billion in RDT&E spending over that time.

The Overhead Persistent Infrared Space-Based Missile Warning System is the costliest U.S. defense program based on current RDT&E spending. The OPIR polar-orbiting satellites will soon replace the existing network of satellite-based infrared sensors. But the system isn’t cheap. RDT&E spending in the three fiscal years through FY2024 will total nearly $11.8 billion for a total spending of $12.2 billion in these three years.

The DOD is also spending a high amount of RDT&E over the three years ending in 2024 on the LGM-35A Sentinel ballistic missile, which will replace the aging LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, which carries nuclear warheads. The DOD RDT&E spending on the Sentinel in FY 2022-2024 is $9.8 billion, for a total program spending during that time of $10.4 billion. The Sentinel ICBM would modernize the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. (This is the country with the most nuclear weapons.)

Here are America’s Multi-Billion Dollar R&D Weapons

See below for our detailed methodology.

30. DDG 51 Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $702.7 million
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $17.3 billion — #4 most
  • Type: Ship
  • Service branches: Navy
  • Primary contractor(s): General Dynamics, Huntington Ingalls

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) guided missile destroyers provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface, and subsurface environments. The DDG 51 class is armed with a vertical launching system, which accommodates 96 missiles, and a 5-inch gun that provides Naval Surface Fire Support to forces ashore and anti-ship gunnery capability against other ships. This is the first class of destroyers with a ballistic missile defense capability.”

29. Precision Strike Missile

Source: Courtesy of Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $713.8 million
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $1.4 billion — #27 most
  • Type: Missile
  • Service branches: Army
  • Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is the Army’s next-generation surface-to-surface ballistic missile that replaces and improves upon the Army Tactical Missile System. (ATACMS) PrSM will provide Joint Force Commanders with a 24/7, all-weather capability to attack critical and time-sensitive area and point targets including threat air defense; missile launchers; command and control centers; assembly/staging areas; and high payoff targets at all depths of the multidomain battlefield.”

28. MQ-25 Stingray

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $732.7 million
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $2.5 billion — #24 most
  • Type: Drone
  • Service branches: Navy / Marine Corps
  • Primary contractor(s): Boeing, Lockheed Martin

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The U.S. Navy MQ-25A Stingray and the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System programs are rapidly developing an unmanned capability to embark as part of the Carrier Air Wing for aerial refueling and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions.”

27. Medium and Large Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $756.6 million
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $0.8 billion — #30 most
  • Type: Vessel
  • Service branches: Navy
  • Primary contractor(s): To be determined

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) is a multi-mission vessel designed to provide low cost, high endurance, reconfigurable ships that can accommodate various payloads for unmanned missions and augment the Navy’s manned surface force.. While unmanned surface vehicles are new additions to fleet units, they are intended to be relatively low developmental technologies that combine robust and proven commercial vessel designs with existing military payloads to rapidly and affordably expand the capacity and capability of the surface fleet.”

26. National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program and Rocket System Launch Program (RSLP)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $761.7 million
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $7.0 billion — #12 most
  • Type: Launch service
  • Service branches: Space Force
  • Primary contractor(s): To be determined

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The Space Forces’ Launch Enterprise consists of the National Security Space Launch program and Rocket System Launch Program. NSSL provides highly reliable launch services for medium and heavy lift class national security satellites.”

25. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)

  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $774.6 million
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $1.6 billion — #26 most
  • Type: Missile defense system
  • Service branches: Joint Service
  • Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) is a key element of the missile defense system. The THAAD Battery provides interceptors, using “Hit-To-Kill” technology to destroy missiles inside and outside the atmosphere. A Battery nominally consists of 6 truck-mounted launchers, 48 Interceptors (8 per launcher), one Army/Navy Transportable Radar Surveillance and radar, a Tactical Fire Control/Communications component, and the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks.”

24. MQ-4C / RQ-4 Triton/Global Hawk/NATO AGS

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $796.5 million
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $2.6 billion — #22 most
  • Type: Drone
  • Service branches: Joint Service
  • Primary contractor(s): Northrop Grumman

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The Navy MQ-4C Triton, U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk, and NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Unmanned Aircraft Systems provide high altitude long endurance Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities.”

23. Trident II Ballistic Missile Modifications

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $825 million
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $5.2 billion — #15 most
  • Type: Ballistic missile
  • Service branches: Navy
  • Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “Supports the production of the redesigned missile which will be deployed on the COLUMBIA-class Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine. Funds support the procurement of Trident II D5LE warhead components, the Mk4B Shape Stable Nose Tip (SSNT), and the replacement of D5 legacy tooling and test support equipment. Development efforts of the D5LE2 include system studies and architecture development, W93/Mk7 warhead feasibility study and design options, as well as the Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) and strategic guidance technologies to deliver a System Requirements Review in FY 2025.”

22. F-15 Eagle

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $848.9 million
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $8.8 billion — #10 most
  • Type: Fighter jet
  • Service branches: Air Force
  • Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The F-15EX is a modernized derivative of the F-15E with advanced flight controls, superior sensors, and increased weapons capacity and range needed to defend critical locations in highly contested environments. Continues engineering and manufacturing development efforts for the Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System to improve F-15E/EX survivability by enhancing the ability to detect, deny, or defeat air and ground threats. Continues F-15E modernization investment, focusing development efforts on the Operational Flight Program and Resilient Embedded GPS-INS.”

21. F/A-18 Super Hornet

  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $916.8 million
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $6.1 billion — #13 most
  • Type: Fighter jet
  • Service branches: Navy / Marine Corps
  • Primary contractor(s): Sikorsky Aircraft, General Electric

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is a carrier-based multi-role tactical fighter and attack aircraft. Development and integration of critical aircraft systems, like the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) pod, continues to ensure the F/A-18 E/F can meet advanced threats expected in 2025 and beyond.”

20. SSN 774 Virginia Class Submarine

Source: national_museum_of_the_us_navy / Flickr
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $994.7 million
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $25.0 billion — #2 most
  • Type: Submarine
  • Service branches: Navy
  • Primary contractor(s): General Dynamics, Huntington Ingalls

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The Virginia class submarine is a multimission nuclear-powered attack submarine Equipped with vertical launchers and torpedo tubes, the submarine can launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and heavyweight torpedoes. Block V variants will incorporate Acoustic Superiority and the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), which is an 84-foot hull section with four additional payload tubes, each capable of carrying seven Tomahawk cruise missiles or various other payloads. FY 2024 continues funding development of the VPM technology, prototype components, and systems engineering required for design and construction.”

19. VC-25B Presidential Aircraft

Source: U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe / Public Domain
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $1.0 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $1. billion — #29 most
  • Type: Plane
  • Service branches: Air Force
  • Primary contractor(s): Boeing

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The VC-25B Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program will replace the current VC-25A (Boeing 747-200) “Air Force One” aircraft with a new, modified 747-8. The VC-25B will provide the President, staff, and guests with safe and reliable air transportation at the same level of security and communications capability available in the White House. The modifications to the 747-8 aircraft will include an electrical power upgrade, dual auxiliary power units that are usable in flight, a mission communication system, an executive interior, military avionics, a self-defense system, autonomous enplaning and deplaning, and autonomous baggage loading.”

18. Standard Missile-6

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $1.1 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $3.3 billion — #20 most
  • Type: Missile
  • Service branches: Navy
  • Primary contractor(s): Boeing Defense and Space

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) is a surface Navy Anti-Air Warfare missile that provides area and ship self-defense. It was designed to fulfill the need for a vertically launched, extended-range missile compatible with the Aegis Weapon System to be used against extended-range threats at sea, near land, and overland. RDT&E funding continues Aegis architecture and design for SM-6 Block IB extended range capability…”

17. SSBN 826 Columbia Class Ballistic Missile Submarine

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $1.1 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $17.6 billion — #3 most
  • Type: Submarine
  • Service branches: Navy
  • Primary contractor(s): Bechtel National

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The Columbia class Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN) will replace the current Ohio class of Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine. The USS Columbia program will deliver 12 SSBNs FY 2024 also continues funding research and development of nuclear technologies and ship systems such as the propulsion system, combat systems technology, and the development and construction of a Common Missile Compartment (CMC) capable of hosting the TRIDENT II missile system.”

16. E-7A Airborne Warning and Control System Replacement

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $1.1 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $1.1 billion — #28 most
  • Type: Plane
  • Service branches: Air Force
  • Primary contractor(s): Boeing

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The E-7A program will replace the current E-3G Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. The E-7A is an airborne early warning and control platform based on the Boeing (737-700) next-generation design powered by twin CFM International CFM56-7 turbofan engines. The E-7A provides improved kill-chain effectiveness, as well as enhanced survivability, reliability, and availability. The E-7A’s Multifunction Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) can be electronically steered, which provides better target detection and tracking, and more robust electronic protection.”

15. E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $1.2 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $3.5 billion — #18 most
  • Type: Plane
  • Service branches: Navy / Marine Corps
  • Primary contractor(s): Northrop Grumman, Rolls-Royce, Lockheed Martin

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is an airborne early warning, all-weather, twin-engine, carrier-based aircraft designed to extend task force defense perimeters.”

14. PATRIOT / PAC3 PATRIOT Advanced Capability

  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $1.5 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $2.8 billion — #21 most
  • Type: Missile system
  • Service branches: Army
  • Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The Army’s Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept of Target (PATRIOT) system is an extremely capable, long-range air defense guided missile system, which protects ground combat forces and high-value assets Implements critical capability, readiness, and sustainability modifications and continues software enhancement for improved combat identification, improved communications, interoperability, supportability, and electronic warfare capabilities; and supports the transition to the Integrated Air and Missile Defense architecture.”

13. Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $1.7 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $1.7 billion — #25 most
  • Type: Vehicle
  • Service branches: Army
  • Primary contractor(s): To be determined

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) will replace the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and provide increased warfighting capability required to defeat future near-peer competitors Funds the fully digital, detailed prototype vehicle designs from Preliminary Design Review (PDR) through to the Critical Design Review (CDR) in preparation for the prototype builds and testing portion of Phase 3&4 in the program’s development.”

12. F-22 Raptor

  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $1.9 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $3.9 billion — #17 most
  • Type: Fighter jet
  • Service branches: Air Force
  • Primary contractor(s): Boeing

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation air superiority fighter aircraft. The Raptor is designed to penetrate enemy airspace and achieve first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability against multiple targets. Continues deliberate investments via the Raptor Agile Capability Release program to ensure F-22s are upgraded with state-of-the-art sensors, improved survivability, enhanced interoperability, and extended range and time on station.”

11. Aegis Sea-Based Weapons System

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $2.4 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $5.3 billion — #14 most
  • Type: Missile system
  • Service branches: Joint Service
  • Primary contractor(s): Boeing

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “Sea-Based Weapons System (Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD)) is the naval element of the missile defense system and provides an enduring, operationally effective, and supportable missile defense capability on Aegis cruisers, destroyers, and Ashore to defend U.S. deployed forces and our allies.”

10. Long Range Stand-Off Weapon (LRSO)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $2.4 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $2.5 billion — #23 most
  • Type: Missile
  • Service branches: Air Force
  • Primary contractor(s): Raytheon

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “Long Range Stand-Off (LRSO) Weapon is a nuclear cruise missile capable of penetrating and surviving complex advanced integrated air defense systems and GPS-denied environments from significant stand-off ranges. The LRSO replaces the Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) which entered service in 1982 and is well past its original 10-year service life design. The program entered the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase in July 2021. Initial operational capability is projected for 2030.”

9. B-1, B-2, B-52 Bombers

Source: Mike Cassidy / iStock via Getty Images
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $2.7 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $3.3 billion — #19 most
  • Type: Plane
  • Service branches: Air Force
  • Primary contractor(s): Northrop Grumman

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “Bombers provide an intercontinental capability to rapidly strike surface targets. The Air Force legacy bomber fleet includes the B-1B, B-2, and B-52H aircraft. Continues upgrades to modernize legacy bombers including avionics, communications, radar, engine, and weapons efforts.”

8. Global Positioning System Enterprise

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $3.0 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $5.0 billion — #16 most
  • Type: GPS
  • Service branches: Space Force
  • Primary contractor(s): Various

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The Global Positioning System (GPS) provides worldwide, 24-hour a day, all-weather 3-dimensional positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) information for military and civilian users.”

7. F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

Source: my_public_domain_photos / Flickr
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $6.7 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $37.4 billion — #1 most
  • Type: Fighter jet
  • Service branches: Joint Service
  • Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is a fifth-generation strike fighter for the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and U.S. Allies. Continues systems engineering, development, and operational testing, and supports Continuous Capability Development and Delivery (C2D2) to provide incremental warfighting capability improvements to maintain joint air dominance against evolving threats.”

6. Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD)

  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $7.3 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $7.3 billion — #11 most
  • Type: Missile defense system
  • Service branches: Joint Service
  • Primary contractor(s): Raytheon Missiles & Defense

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) element is a Missile Defense Agency program and a key component of the Missile Defense System, providing Combatant Commanders with the capability to engage missiles in the midcourse phase of flight… Continues the design and development activities for two competitive interceptor development contracts. Next Generation Interceptor funding provides for the initial requirements analysis, design, development, prototyping, integration and relevant environment testing to mature the booster, payload, sensor, and design-specific critical technologies and technology elements.”

5. Cyberspace Activities

Source: army-cyber / Flickr
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $8.2 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $10.7 billion — #8 most
  • Type: Cybersecurity
  • Service branches: Joint Service
  • Primary contractor(s): Various

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “Continues to accelerate multiple innovative lines of effort across the Department to support the DoD Cyber Strategy and facilitate information advantage throughout the spectrum of competition, crisis, and conflict. The resulting capabilities enhance integrated deterrence by enabling power projection in and through cyberspace, increasing our adversaries’ cyberspace operations cost and reducing their likelihood of success. The FY 2024 program continues investments in cybersecurity, cyberspace operations (including the cyber mission force), and cyber research and development.”

4. B-21 Raider

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $8.9 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $13.0 billion — #5 most
  • Type: Plane
  • Service branches: Air Force
  • Primary contractor(s): Oshkosh Defense, AM General

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The B-21 Raider is a new, high-tech long-range bomber that will replace B-1 and B-2 bombers. The B21 will be a key component of the joint portfolio of conventional and nuclear-capable deep-strike capabilities. The B-21 will be delivered to operational bases in the mid-2020s. The Air Force plans to procure a minimum of 100 aircraft. Manufacturing of the test aircraft is underway at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Air Force Plant 42.”

3. Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Projects

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $9.1 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $11.0 billion — #7 most
  • Type: Satellite
  • Service branches: Space Force
  • Primary contractor(s): Boeing

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “Initiates PTS prototype payload launch vehicle integration and PTS Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase for the new purpose-built high-throughput anti-jam satellite system.”

2. LGM-35A Sentinel

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $9.8 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $10.4 billion — #9 most
  • Type: Ballistic missile
  • Service branches: Air Force
  • Primary contractor(s): Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, Boeing Defense

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “The LGM-35A Sentinel, formerly the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, program is the Air Force effort to replace the aging LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) weapon system… Sentinel will modernize or replace Minuteman III flight systems, weapon system command and control, and launch systems, including missile silos, control centers, and other ground infrastructure. The program entered the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase in September 2020. Deployment is projected to begin in the late 2020s.”

1. OPIR Space Based Missile Warning Systems

Source: Courtesy of Northrop Grumman
  • R&D, testing, and evaluation budget, FY 2022-2024: $11.8 billion
  • Total program spending, FY2022-FY2024: $12.2 billion — #6 most
  • Type: Warning system
  • Service branches: Space Force
  • Primary contractor(s): Integrated Defense Systems

Department of Defense FY2024 budget description: “Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Program (OPIR) and Resilient Missile Warning and Missile Tracking (MW/MT) are the follow-on systems to the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) that will: (1) field two Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), two Polar satellites in Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO), and an integrated centralized ground station; and (2) field 39 Low Earth Orbit and up to nine Medium Earth Orbit MW/MT capabilities. Next-Gen OPIR will rapidly deliver strategically survivable missile warning capabilities, which detect advances made in adversarial missile technology and address counter-space systems with added resiliency features.”

 

Methodology

To identify the 30 weapons the U.S. is spending billions on in research and development, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the U.S. Department of Defense Budget FY 2024 Request. The document includes major weapon systems expenditures over the last two fiscal years as well as the requested budget for 2024. Of the 79 major weapons systems itemized in the report, the 30 defense systems listed here had at least $700 million in total research and development, testing, and evaluation spending in the three fiscal years ending in September 2024. Weapons are sorted in order of total RDT&E spending for those three years.

The quoted descriptions of the spending, as well as all additional information on each system, come directly from the DOD budget proposal, and from the Program Acquisition Cost By Weapons System document. 

ALERT: Take This Retirement Quiz Now  (Sponsored)

Take the quiz below to get matched with a financial advisor today.

Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.

Here’s how it works:
1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz
2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.
3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future

Take the retirement quiz right here.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.