Also I have no idea what this has to do with “diversity” or what you even mean by that.
This contract is for cutting edge unmanned fighter jets. Other countries don't make them at all!
These unmanned Wingman jets will be the first in the world to do that too.
If they could make an F16 equivalent combat drone, they’d jump at the chance.
Diversity, or "the condition of having or being composed of differing elements"[1], in this case a wide variety of suppliers.
I assume most of us are speaking English here.
[1]: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversity
>Limiting themselves to a few expensive and stagnant vendors is a way to lose in the future.
You win wars by buying your equipment from the most capable suppliers. If that happens to be a centralized cabal of suppliers (this stuff is expensive, after all), then it is what it is. It's not the mission of the DoD to diversify the economy, its mission is to win wars as effectively as possible at any cost.
Wars are won on logistics; a corrupt, stagnant, or under-innovating market is a barrier to successful defence.
The mission of keeping the economy healthy lies upon the Commerce and Justice Departments, whose missions are to manage the economy and keep industries within the confines of the law respectively.
What incentive is there for a company to innovate if the DoD allows their competitors to die out? When it's time to buy a new fighter jet (or whatever else) those acquisitions chiefs want several options, same as any consumer.
The OUSD for Acquisition & Sustainment publishes lengthy analyses on competition within the industry and how to stoke it. [0]
[0] https://media.defense.gov/2022/Feb/15/2002939087/-1/-1/1/STA...
Honestly, quite an absurdity of a comment. Just says words without any coherent meaning.
The first and arguably only mission of the Department of Defense is to win wars. Diversifying the economy is none of their concern beyond having a economy with which to fuel their war machines.
If you want diversification of the economy, look towards the Department of Commerce.
Or to put it another way: Thumping your diversity drum doesn't win you wars.