Buzz
Modern weaponry is undeniably pricey, yet the actual expenses are often overlooked once the system proves its effectiveness in real-world combat. However, when a weapon is developed but not used, it results in significant financial waste, often leading to embarrassment for both politicians and those responsible for its creation. Here are 10 of the priciest weapon systems that were either scrapped or never utilized.
10. Multi-Mission Effects Vehicle - C$100 Million
The Multi-Mission Effects Vehicle (MMEV) was designed as Canada’s solution to both anti-tank and surface-to-air defense technologies, built upon the 8×8 wheeled LAV III platform for remote command and control (C2). The MMEV initiative began in 2005, with an anticipated budget of C$750 million, but the project was scrapped just two years later.
The program's cancellation was driven by the vehicle's complexity. The loss of an operational C2/anti-air/anti-tank vehicle on the battlefield would diminish ground forces' capabilities by a 3:1 ratio. The integration of these three functions into one vehicle was criticized as an ill-advised attempt to cut costs at the expense of soldier safety and operational efficiency.
9. XM29 Objective Individual Combat Weapon - $100 Million
The XM29 Objective Individual Combat Weapon was a series of prototype firearms developed to offer soldiers enhanced control over their small-arms ammunition. This weapon was capable of launching a 20mm high-explosive shell with a programmable airburst feature, meaning the shooter could program the round to detonate at a predetermined distance and height.
When aimed at an enemy behind cover, the shot would explode above and behind the target, neutralizing them effectively. Development of the program began in the 1990s and was terminated in October 2005 due to the $35,000 cost per weapon. The total research and development expenses for the XM29 exceeded $100 million before it was canceled, although aspects of the design may still reach the battlefield through the potential deployment of the XM25.
8. B-70 Valkyrie - $1.5 Billion
By the late 1950s, the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command was actively seeking a new strategic bomber to replace the aging B-52. The Valkyrie was designed to carry nuclear bombs and execute deep-penetration missions.
The B-70 was envisioned as an invincible aircraft due to its ability to fly at altitudes above 21,000 meters (70,000 ft) and speeds exceeding Mach 3. However, the development of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) rendered this perceived invulnerability obsolete before the aircraft could be deployed. As a result, the plane's design was altered to fly at much lower altitudes, evading SAMs' line of sight.
By the end of the 1960s, the rise of intercontinental ballistic missiles replaced the need for the aging fleet of strategic bombers, making the B-70 unnecessary. When the program was terminated in 1961, the US Air Force had already spent $1.5 billion—equivalent to roughly $12 billion in 2015 dollars.
7. A-12 Avenger II - $2.95 Billion
The A-12 Avenger II was a proposed all-weather, carrier-based stealth bomber designed to replace the aging A-6 Intruder for both the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Its design featured a single wing, similar to the B-2 stealth bomber, but tailored for strategic naval operations.
Launched in 1990, the program was canceled in 1991 before reaching its full potential, with a projected cost of at least $57 billion. By the time it was canceled, Defense Secretary Dick Cheney had authorized nearly $3 billion of the $4.8 billion fixed-price contract, though no aircraft had been constructed. As a result, the United States Department of Defense sued the contractors to recover the costs, and in January 2014, a settlement was reached, returning $400 million to the U.S.
6. Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle - $3 Billion
The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) was an amphibious assault vehicle designed for the United States Marine Corps to replace the aging Assault Amphibious Vehicle, which had been in use since 1972. It was built to match the mobility and agility of the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank while serving as a critical assault vehicle for operations both on land and at sea.
Initially projected to cost $15 billion, the program was canceled in 2011 by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates following the Marine Corps' decision to extend the life of the Marine Personnel Carrier and Amphibious Combat Vehicle. The escalating research and development costs led the Corps to scale back its original order from 1,013 vehicles to 573, which contributed to the program's eventual cancellation after spending $3 billion.
5. YAL-1 Airborne Laser - $5 Billion
The Boeing YAL-1 Airborne Laser Testbed was a missile defense system designed to be mounted on a Boeing 747-400F. It featured a megawatt-class chemical oxygen iodine laser capable of targeting and destroying missiles during their flight. Specifically, the YAL-1 was intended to intercept tactical ballistic missiles during their boost phase, before reaching full velocity.
Although the laser was successfully tested, it was never deployed due to its combat impracticality. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates canceled the program, citing the need for a more powerful laser with a longer range to effectively target enemy missiles. With construction costs of $1.5 billion and $100 million per year to maintain each system, the concept proved unfeasible. The program was discontinued in 2011 after 16 years of development, totaling $5 billion in expenses.
4. RAH-66 Comanche - $7 Billion
The RAH-66 Comanche stealth helicopter was designed to replace older helicopters in the US Army’s fleet. However, the initial plan to acquire 650 helicopters was abandoned in 2004 after the Army halted all funding for research, development, and production. The cancellation was due to escalating costs and concerns about safety features as a result of advancements in surface-to-air defense technologies.
The funds initially allocated for the Comanche were redirected to another project, the Bell ARH-70, which also was later canceled. Between 1991 and its cancellation in 2004, the Army spent approximately $6.9 billion on the program. The remaining funds were then used to refurbish and modernize the Army’s existing helicopters, which the Army had originally hoped to replace through the Comanche development.
3. Trident Missile Program - $40 Billion
Thankfully, this weapon system has never been deployed, although it required significant investment to develop and maintain. The Trident missile family was created as submarine-launched ballistic missiles capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles, commonly known as nuclear warheads.
The Trident missiles are used by both the US Navy and the UK’s Royal Navy, with a total estimated cost of $40 billion in 2011. Each missile is estimated to cost $70 million. The program, which has been in operation and development since 1979, is expected to continue until 2042. The total cost of the program is projected at $170.2 billion, though, with any luck, the missiles will never be needed.
2. Future Combat Systems - $18.1 Billion
From 2003 to 2009, the United States Army initiated a modernization effort aimed at creating quicker, more agile brigades equipped with compact vehicles that could be deployed to a combat area at a moment's notice, anywhere in the world. This ambitious program, known as Future Combat Systems (FCS), was projected to cost $340 billion by its planned completion.
However, FCS was never deployed, failing to meet deadlines before Secretary of Defense Robert Gates ordered its restructuring and eventual cancellation in 2009. Nine planned manned ground vehicles were either abandoned or incorporated into other initiatives after the cancellation. By the end of the program's six-year development, the Department of Defense had invested over $18 billion in FCS.
1. XM2001 Crusader - $11 Billion
The XM2001 Crusader was envisioned as the U.S. Army's advanced self-propelled howitzer, meant to replace the outdated Paladin system, which had been in use since the 1960s. However, in 2002, six years before it was to be deployed, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld decided to cancel the program. The Crusader was intended to be more mobile and precise than its predecessor.
While the Crusader was designed to be slightly faster than the Paladin, its weight and high costs led to doubts about its effectiveness. Ultimately, it was deemed no better than the Paladin, and the initial order for 800 vehicles was canceled when funding was withdrawn.
The XM2001 Crusader program began in 1995 but ended in 2002, having only produced one prototype. The total cost of the program reached $11 billion, and the lone completed unit can now be viewed as a display piece at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
