Quote:
pdoktar said:
My point being, do you know any large equipment (like the AMOS), being ever purchased by the americans after WW2 (without being a joint operation). Small arms and LAWs and extra armour packages not included?
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No, but then again does Russia or China? Does Germany or the United Kingdom? I would say the United States isn't exactly any more or less "patriotic" in this realm than anyone else with the money to do so.
Furthermore, we seem to be missing two of the most integral elements to US defense procurement.
Number 1 is that any patents on the purchased equipment has to be turned over to the US government (this is one of the biggest reasons for Glock not seeking a contract for instance). The reasoning behind this is that following the initial contract the US government opens it up for bidding, where small contractors usually get undercut by larger concerns. Good example? Colt's CGL-5 loses out to AAI's XM203 during trials, AAI produces the first run and then
Colt produces the majority of subsequent units.
Number 2 is that these "foreign" systems we're using are mostly made in the United States, another common requirement for foreign equipment to be purchased by the US government. We're a capitalist economy. If we're buying something, we'd like to see jobs go to Americans so we can feel like we're paying ourselves. With globalization this has become more prevalent anyways.
Just important things to remember when you discuss US defense procurement.