Bytes, Bots & Bombers
Published on March 21, 2024
The astronomical cost of advanced military kits puts cutting-edge weaponry beyond the reach of most countries. The latest F-35 fighter jets, for example, will cost the USA about two trillion dollars over the platform’s lifetime, while their nuclear weapons platform has already cost an estimated 10 trillion.
Israel’s doctrine of Qualitative Military Edge (QME) calls for staying at the cutting edge of such weapons systems. Yet, while Israel can afford this strategy – its GDP per capita is more than 10x that of any of its neighbours, or Iran – there’s reason to question whether QME will be as advantageous in the future as it was in the past.