William Lynn, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defence said that the U.S. would strive to keep its lead in unmanned robotic technology despite the $400 billion reduction in defense spending. The cuts in defence budget are part of the Obama government’s goal of reducing the U.S. deficit over the next 12 years.
Mr Lynn said that robotics and unmanned technology was a key future adding that no country with a weak economy is going to be strong militarily. So, it was a strategic imperative that they tackle the budget deficit, including ways to reduce defense spending. He was speaking in Paris before the Air Show.
He said at a briefing that the Pentagon will also seek to maintain a lead in cyber security and the capability to strike long-range targets using a combination of missiles, aircraft and electronic attack. Outgoing Defense Secretary Robert Gates and his successor, Leon Panetta have both said all defense programs are under review thanks to President Barack Obama’s goal of reducing expenditure.
Some effort would be made to preserve projects dealing with unmanned robotic technologies as per Lynn as it was not clear what shape they would take or what precise advantages they would confer. He likened this to pursuing the stealth technology in the 1970s when defence spending had also declined.
The U.S. Air Force is asking for $197 million during the fiscal year 2012 to begin work on a new long range strike bomber. This would allow the U.S. to launch strikes on targets deep in enemy territory.