{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1686571,
        "msgid": "pentagon-faces-a-new-enemy-its-own-systems-1776577845",
        "date": "2026-04-19 12:03:46",
        "title": "Pentagon Faces a New Enemy: Its Own Systems",
        "author": "Erdy Nasrul",
        "source": "REPUBLIKA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Technology",
        "summary": "The Pentagon is grappling with internal inefficiencies as its custom-built software systems, developed at exorbitant costs, lag behind faster and more intuitive commercial solutions, hindering productivity in an era of rapid technological advancement. Critics, including industry insiders and defence experts, argue that bureaucratic hurdles and a \"build from scratch\" mentality are stalling innovation, potentially eroding strategic advantages against emerging threats like AI and drones. Adopting a \"buy before build\" approach, leveraging mature commercial software, is proposed as a key solution to enhance efficiency and speed in responding to global defence challenges.",
        "content": "<p>REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA \u2014 The global defence landscape is shifting\ntowards increasingly unpredictable directions. Threats no longer come in\nconventional forms but through rapidly evolving technology, drones,\nartificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. Amid these changes, the\nUnited States faces a fundamental question: can the Pentagon adapt at\nthe pace of the times?<\/p>\n<p>An article by Chris Beauregard in DefenseScoop offers sharp criticism\nfrom within the defence ecosystem itself. He begins with a simple yet\nprovocative premise: functionally, the Pentagon is no different from a\nlarge multinational conglomerate.<\/p>\n<p>However, according to Beauregard, the difference lies not in what is\ndone, but in how it is done. This is where the main problem arises: the\nPentagon views its needs as unique and therefore builds its own systems,\noften at enormous costs.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, many internal software systems become productivity\nblockers. Compared to private sector solutions that are faster, cheaper,\nand more intuitive, the Pentagon\u2019s internal systems are seen as far\nbehind.<\/p>\n<p>Beauregard highlights several concrete examples: billion-dollar\nsoftware projects that fail to meet basic user needs. From human\nresources systems to official travel platforms, the ballooning costs are\nnot commensurate with the results obtained.<\/p>\n<p>This criticism points to one clear solution: the Pentagon must stop\nbuilding from scratch and start adopting a \u201cbuy before build\u201d approach.\nIn Beauregard\u2019s view, commercial software, especially AI-based, is\nalready mature enough to meet most operational needs.<\/p>\n<p>This approach is not only about efficiency but also about speed. In\nan era where technology develops exponentially, even a few years\u2019 delay\ncan mean losing strategic advantage.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, a Reuters report provides a more external but equally\nsharp perspective. In one of its reports, defence industry players\nopenly criticise the Pentagon\u2019s bureaucracy as the main obstacle in\nresponding to global threats.<\/p>\n<p>According to the report, the complexity of contract systems and\nprocurement processes slows innovation. Even when technology is\navailable, its implementation is often delayed by layered\nprocedures.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/pentagon-faces-a-new-enemy-its-own-systems-1776577845",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}