With the implementation of budget constraints as a result of the congressional cost-cutting measures of 2011, most, if not all, of the Navy’s weapon-procurement programs will be affected in some way. Programs that are important in the grand scheme may have to be scrapped to save others with a higher priority. Programs with a history of minimal performance may end up on the chopping block. The coming years will be marked with tough decisions as the Navy seeks to keep up with its commitments with older equipment being pushed to the limit by nonstop war operations that began in 2001 and replacement systems delayed because of funding shortfalls.
