The Core

"the human element of physically being on a battlefield can be replaced by remote operations

"will set a new, more precise method of fighting that would also be dramatically less expensive than traditional methods.

"this will ultimately set a new standard and actually lower the cost of war.

"the red tape involved with approvals from the Pentagon make it difficult to take quick, effective action

"The procurement process is designed for weapon systems that take 15 years. In the Ukraine situation, innovation is occurring on a three to six-week timeline

https://www.npr.org/2024/08/31/g-s1-20106/us-war-warfare-drones-ai-pentagon-ukraine-gaza

>> procurement process

I think this is a big issue.
 - stakeholders in the military who want their expensive, but now obsolete, projects built
 - stakeholders in Congress who want those projects in their district to continue
 - stakeholders in industry who want to keep their contracts

We have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engaged in the defense establishment. We annually spend on military security alone more than the net income of all United States corporations.

Now this conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence—economic, political, even spiritual—is felt in every city, every Statehouse, every office of the Federal government.

-- Dwight Eisenhower, Farewell Address, Jan 17, 1961