Why does the United States spend so much on its military? Who is receiving these funds? Where is this money even going? These are frequently asked questions during annual budget proposals and negotiations. Military spending generally goes up yearly, 4% from 2023 to 2024. On a surface level, most Americans grasp the need to defend our borders and our interests abroad. As one digs into the budget, they might come up scratching their heads. In 2023, the U.S. spent $905.5 billion on its defense budget, more than twice what the rest of the countries in NATO spent ($397.7 billion). So, where did that money go and why?
To quote an article from brookings.edu, “Dollars do not win wars; people, weapons, tactics, and strategies do.” Looking ahead to fiscal year 2025, the proposed defense budget is $850 billion (a decrease due to negotiations between Congress and the current President). Of that budget, $143 billion of these funds are earmarked for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E), under which many of the country’s weapons programs’ development fall. Ever the innovator, the United States is constantly working to stay ahead of the technology curve. Working better, faster, and stronger keeps us on pace with other countries and allows us to defend ourselves in an ever-evolving climate.
Using data from the Department of Defense’s April 2023 Program Acquisition Cost By Weapon System report, 24/7 Wall St. identified the U.S. military’s biggest weapons programs. Weapon systems were ranked based on total funding — a composite of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E), and procurement costs — for the 2023 fiscal year. Data used to calculate the percentage change in funding from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2023, as well as data on primary contractors by weapons system, are also from the report.
The Air Force and Navy garner the greatest spending per department, with the newly formed Space Force bringing up the rear. Developing weapons systems for ground, air, water, and space ensures we have all our proverbial bases covered. Keeping defense against foreign forces on their minds, the latest government budget plans have called for an increase for these departments, a great shift from the traditional focus on the Army.
Why Are We Writing About Military Spending?
In the United States, military spending is among the top four categories of government spending, just below Social Security, Health, and Medicare. It is integral to maintaining our country’s foreign and domestic interests. Understanding the why, who, what, and where tax dollars are spent helps one understand how our government runs. The budget is the instrument by which policy is created and implemented. Learning about our military’s weapons programs and costs is one piece of policy to get to know better.
Here are the biggest weapons programs of the U.S. military.
50. Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM)
The Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) is categorized as missiles and munitions. Developed by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, it received an earmark of $464.3 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for an increase of 100.1% from the previous year.
49. Precision Strike Missile (PrSM)
With a budget line item of $427.7 million in Fiscal Year 2023, the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) joins our military’s missiles and munitions arsenal. It is primarily produced by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and received an increase in budget of 33.3% in FS 2023.
48. Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization (VC-25B)
The Boeing Company is the primary contractor for the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization or VC-25B. This program is part of the aircraft and related systems arm of military weapons. The budget called for a decrease of 24.8% in FS 2023, providing $429.9 million to maintain this program.
47. MQ-9 Reaper
The MQ-9 Reaper is categorized as aircraft and related systems. Developed by Aeronautical Systems Incorporated, it received an earmark of $496.9 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for a decrease of 32.2% from the previous year.
46. V-22 Osprey
With a budget line item of $615.1 million in Fiscal Year 2023, the V-22 Osprey joins our military’s aircraft and related systems arsenal. It is primarily produced by Bell Helicopter Textron, Incorporated, and had a decrease in budget of 65.5% in FS 2023.
45. Paladin Integrated Management (PIM)
BAE Systems is the primary contractor for the Paladin Integrated Management (PIM). This program is part of the ground systems arm of military weapons. The budget called for a decrease of 24.9% in FS 2023, providing $629.7 million to maintain this program.
44. Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV)
The Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) is categorized as a ground system. Developed by BAE Systems, it received an earmark of $631.2 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for an increase of 6.2% from the previous year.
43. M-1 Abrams Tank Modification/Upgrades
With a budget line item of $717.6 million in Fiscal Year 2023, the M-1 Abrams Tank Modification/Upgrades is a part of the ground systems arsenal of our military. It is primarily produced by General Dynamics Land Systems and had a decrease in budget of 43.1% in FS 2023.
42. CVN Refueling Complex Overhaul
Huntington Ingalls Industries is the primary contractor for the CVN Refueling Complex Overhaul. This program is part of the military’s shipbuilding and maritime systems arm. The budget called for a decrease of 72.9% in FS 2023, providing $718.5 million to maintain this program.
41. Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fit Radios (HMS)
The Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fit Radios (HMS) is a C4I system. Developed by L3Harris Corporation, it received an earmark of $732.9 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for a decrease of 2.7% from the previous year.
40. Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM)
With a budget line item of $739.6 million in Fiscal Year 2023, the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) is part of our military’s missiles and munitions arsenal. It is primarily produced by Raytheon Missile & Defense and received an increase in budget of 148.3% in FS 2023.
39. Stryker Family of Armored Vehicles
The General Dynamics Corporation is the primary contractor for the Stryker Family of Armored Vehicles. This program is part of the ground systems arm of military weapons. The budget called for a decrease of 33.3% in FS 2023, providing $742.4 million to maintain this program.
38. HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter
The Combat Rescue Helicopter (HH-60W) is categorized as an aircraft and related systems. Developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, it received an earmark of $769.1 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for a decrease of 4.6% from the previous year.
37. PATRIOT/PAC–3 PATRIOT Advanced Capability
With a budget line item of $788.1 million in Fiscal Year 2023, the PATRIOT/PAC–3 PATRIOT Advanced Capability program is a part of our military’s missile defense programs. It is primarily produced by Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems and received an increase in budget of 25.3% in FS 2023.
36. AH-64E Apache: Remanufacture/New Build
The Boeing Company is the primary contractor for the AH-64E Apache: Remanufacture/New Build program. This program is part of the aircraft and related systems arm of military weapons. The budget called for a decrease of 33.2% in FS 2023, providing $790.0 million to maintain this program.
35. Standard Missile-6
The Standard Missile-6 is categorized as missiles and munitions. Developed by Raytheon Missiles & Defense, it received an earmark of $809.1 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for a decrease of 10.5% from the previous year.
34. Tomahawk Tactical Tomahawk Cruise Missile
With a budget line item of $867.1 million in Fiscal Year 2023, the Tomahawk Tactical Tomahawk Cruise Missile is part of our military’s missiles and munitions arsenal. It is primarily produced by Raytheon Missile & Defense and received an increase in the budget of 63.2% in FS 2023.
33. UH-60 Black Hawk
Sikorsky, A Lockheed Martin Company, is the primary contractor for the UH-60 Black Hawk. This program is part of the aircraft and related systems arm of military weapons. The budget called for a decrease of 23.2% in FS 2023, providing $897.2 million to maintain this program.
32. Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)
The Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) is categorized as missiles and munitions. Developed by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, it received an earmark of $960.7 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for an increase of 16.0% from the previous year.
31. T-AO 205 John Lewis Class Fleet Replenishment Oiler
The T-AO 205 John Lewis Class Fleet Replenishment Oiler, with a budget line item of $970.5 million in Fiscal Year 2023, is part of our military’s shipbuilding and maritime systems. It is primarily produced by General Dynamics, National Steel, and Shipbuilding Co. and received a budget decrease of 38.3% in FS 2023.
30. Long-Range Stand-Off Weapon (LRSO)
The Raytheon Company is the primary contractor for the Long-Range Stand-Off Weapon (LRSO). This program is part of the missiles and munitions arm of military weapons. The budget called for a decrease of 63.7% in FS 2023, providing $980.8 million to maintain this program.
29. Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS)
The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) is categorized as missiles and munitions. Developed by Lockheed Martin Corporation, it received an earmark of $999.8 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for a decrease of 11.3% from the previous year.
28. PAC-3/MSE PAC-3/Missile Segment Enhancement
With a budget line item of $1.0 billion in Fiscal Year 2023, the PAC-3/MSE PAC-3/Missile Segment Enhancement is part of our military’s missile defense program. It is primarily produced by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and received an increase in budget of 34.4% in FS 2023.
27. MQ-4C/RQ-4 Triton/Global Hawk/NATO AGS
Northrop Grumman is the primary contractor for the MQ-4C/RQ-4 Triton/Global Hawk/NATO AGS. This program is part of the aircraft and related systems arm of military weapons. The budget called for an increase of 36.3% in FS 2023, providing $1.0 billion to maintain this program.
26. Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) is categorized as a ground system. Developed by Oshkosh Defense, LLC, it received an earmark of $1.1 billion in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for an increase of 1.0% from the previous year.
25. Chem-Demil Chemical Demilitarization
With a budget line item of $1.1 billion in Fiscal Year 2023, the Chem-Demil Chemical Demilitarization project is part of our military’s missiles and munitions system. Its primary contractor is Bechtel National Incorporated, and it received a decrease in budget of 3.1% in FS 2023.
24. C-130J Hercules
The Lockheed Martin Corporation is the primary contractor for the C-130J Hercules. This program is part of the aircraft and related systems arm of military weapons. The budget called for a decrease of 71.0% in FS 2023, providing $1.1 billion to maintain this program.
23. MQ-25 Stingray
The MQ-25 Stingray is part of the aircraft and related systems part of the military. Developed by Boeing, it received an earmark of $1.2 billion in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for an increase of 200.5% from the previous year.
22. B-1, B-2, B-52 Bombers
With a budget line item of $1.2 billion in Fiscal Year 2023, the B-1, B-2, and B-52 Bombers are a part of our military’s aircraft and related systems. It is primarily produced by Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems and received an increase in budget of 22.3% in FS 2023.
21. FFG(X) Constellation Class Guided Missile Frigate
Fincantieri Marinette Marine is the primary contractor for the Constellation Class Guided Missile Frigate or FFG(X). This program is part of the military weapons’ shipbuilding and maritime systems arm. The budget called for an increase of 7.4% in FS 2023, providing $1.3 billion to maintain this program.
20. F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor is part of the military’s aircraft and related systems arm. Developed by Lockheed Martin, it received an earmark of $1.3 billion in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for an increase of 25.5% from the previous year.
19. E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
With a budget line item of $1.3 billion in Fiscal Year 2023, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is part of our military’s aircraft and related systems. It is primarily produced by Northrop Grumman Corporation and received an increase in budget of 10.6% in FS 2023.
18. NSSL & RSLP Launch Enterprise
SpaceX is the primary contractor for the NSSL & RSLP Launch Enterprise. This program is part of the space-based systems arm of military weapons. The budget called for a decrease of 9.4% in FS 2023, providing $1.6 billion to maintain this program.
17. Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Projects
Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Projects are categorized as space-based systems. Developed by Lockheed Martin Corporation, it received an earmark of $1.6 billion in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for an increase of 58.6% from the previous year.
16. Aegis Sea-Based Weapons System
With a budget line item of $1.6 billion in Fiscal Year 2023, the Aegis Sea-Based Weapons System is part of our military’s missile defense programs. It is primarily produced by Lockheed Martin Corporation and received a decrease in budget of 4.3% in FS 2023.
15. Trident II Ballistic Missile Modifications
The Lockheed Martin Corporation is the primary contractor for the Trident II Ballistic Missile Modifications. This program is part of the Missiles and Munitions arm of military weapons. The budget called for an increase of 7.1% in FS 2023, providing $1.7 billion to maintain this program.
14. GPS III & Projects: Global Positioning System Enterprise
The GPS III & Projects: Global Positioning System Enterprise is categorized as a space-based systems. Developed by the Raytheon Company, it received an earmark of $1.8 billion in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for a decrease of 9.5% from the previous year.
13. CH-53K Heavy Lift Replacement Helicopter
With a budget line item of $2.63 billion in Fiscal Year 2023, the CH-53K Heavy Lift Replacement Helicopter is part of our military’s aircraft and related systems. It is primarily produced by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and received an increase in budget of 12.4% in FS 2023.
12. Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD)
Boeing Defense and Space is the primary contractor for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD). This is part of the missile defense programs. The budget called for an increase of 55.5% in FS 2023, providing $2.6 billion to maintain this program.
11. KC-46A Tanker
The KC-46A Tanker is categorized as aircraft and related systems. Developed by The Boeing Company, it received an earmark of $2.9 billion in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for an increase of 22.3% from the previous year.
10. CVN 78 Gerald R. Ford Class Nuclear Aircraft Carrier
With a budget line item of $3.2 billion in Fiscal Year 2023, the CVN 78 Gerald R. Ford Class Nuclear Aircraft Carrier is part of our military’s shipbuilding and maritime systems. It is primarily produced by Huntington Ingalls Industries and received an increase in the budget of 13.2% in FS 2023.
9. Cyberspace Activities
Various contractors are working on cyberspace activities for the government. This program is part of the C41 systems arm of military weapons. The budget called for an increase of 5.7% in FS 2023, providing $3.4 billion to maintain this program.
8. F-15 Eagle
The F-15 Eagle is categorized as an aircraft and related systems. Developed by Boeing, it received an earmark of $3.5 billion in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for an increase of 71.8% from the previous year.
7. Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD)
With a budget line item of $3.6 billion in Fiscal Year 2023, the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) is part of our military’s missiles and munitions arsenal. It is primarily produced by Northrop Grumman Corporation and received an increase in budget of 41.1% in FS 2023.
6. OPIR Space-Based Missile Warning Systems
Lockheed Martin is the primary contractor for the OPIR Space-Based Missile Warning Systems. This program is part of the space-based systems arm of military weapons. The budget called for an increase of 86.8 in FS 2023, providing $4.7 billion to maintain this program.
5. B-21 Raider
4. DDG 51 Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer
With a budget line item of $5.6 billion in Fiscal Year 2023, the DDG 51 Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer is part of our military’s Shipbuilding and Maritime Systems. It is primarily produced by General Dynamics Corporation and received an increase in the budget of 32.2% in FS 2023.
3. SSBN 826 Columbia Class Ballistic Missile Submarine
2. SSN 774 Virginia Class Submarine
The SSN 774 Virginia Class Submarine is a part of the Shipbuilding and Maritime Systems. Developed by the General Dynamics Corporation, it received an earmark of $7.3 billion in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This called for an increase of 5.2% from the previous year.
1. F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
With a budget line item of $11.0 billion in Fiscal Year 2023, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is part of our military’s aircraft and related systems arsenal. It is primarily produced by Lockheed Martin Corporation and received a decrease in budget of 7.7% in FS 2023.
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