Procurement of major weapon systems in the US Armed Forces is a complex process that involves multiple stakeholders, including the military services, Congress, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). Each service has its own unique mission requirements and priorities, which can result in different procurement decisions and programs.
In the case of the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, the US Air Force (USAF) is responsible for procuring a new advanced air superiority fighter to replace its aging fleet of F-22 and F-35 aircraft.
Similarly, the Navy is procuring the F/A-XX program, which is a new advanced carrier-based fighter for the US Navy (USN) to replace their F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft.
It's true that the cost of these programs can be astronomical and the different services may have different requirements and priorities. This is why the OSD and Congress play a critical role in the procurement process to ensure that the programs align with the overall national defense strategy and are cost-effective.
The OSD is responsible for overseeing the procurement process and ensuring that the programs align with the National Defense Strategy. This includes working with the services to establish requirements, evaluating program proposals, and making recommendations to Congress on funding levels.
Congress also plays a critical role in the procurement process by approving funding for weapon systems and overseeing the program's execution. They also have the power to authorize, fund, or de-fund programs based on their priorities.
In summary, while each service has its own unique mission requirements and priorities, the procurement process is guided by the overall national defense strategy, and the OSD and Congress play a critical role in ensuring that the programs are cost-effective, align with the national defense strategy, and has appropriate funding.