BLUF: The Innovation Race

U.S.-backed R&D has historically delivered transformative breakthroughs—from the internet and GPS to vaccines and aerospace advances—but few nations match America’s scale or sustained commitment.

R&D investment is not random; it tracks with economic cycles and geopolitical pressures. The Cold War, for example, drove the space race and a surge in U.S. technological leadership. Yet most countries lack the fiscal flexibility or economic heft to fund large-scale projects. Consider that the F-35 program alone required more than $50 billion in R&D—over half of the U.K.’s annual defense budget and a third of Germany’s historic 2026 defense budget.

These numbers underscore the unique responsibility the U.S. bears in advancing next-generation technologies that strengthen both American and allied security. The joint deal recently announced between the U.K. and Japan to accelerate progress on a next-generation fighter jet represents the dynamic leadership that other allies need to adopt. Partners should take cues from U.S. public-private initiatives and organizations like the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and In-Q-Tel (IQT)—models that show how to efficiently invest, scale, and accelerate innovation.

The bottom line is the U.S. remains the driving force behind defense R&D, but shared security demands shared investment. Allies must deepen their commitments and adopt innovative approaches if they want to help keep pace with the threats of tomorrow.

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