Weapons systems see extra costs

Published: Apr 08, 2006
Source: www.bradenton.com



WASHINGTON - Significant cost overruns affect 36 of the Defense Department's major weapons systems, including key fighter-jet, ship and satellite programs, according to a Pentagon report released Friday.

The report, based on year-end figures, said 25 programs - including three satellites, the Army's Future Combat system and upgrades of the Bradley fighting vehicle and two helicopters - had cost increases of more than 50 percent from their initial estimates.

Eleven programs, including the Joint Strike Fighter, the F/A-18 Navy fighter, a new submarine, and two chemical demilitarization programs, now cost at least 30 percent more than their original estimates.continue..