Don't be looking for any joint UAV programs.

• Author: Beidel, Eric
• Position: DEFENSEINSIDER

* One contentious topic in defense acquisition has been the idea that the military services should merge their unmanned aircraft programs into a joint office. Deptula was a champion of having joint UAV programs because it would save money. Currently each service develops its own aircraft and, in many cases, program offices duplicate capabilities that other services already have paid for.

Although in theory that makes sense, in practice it probably will never happen. "There are some good things about doing [programs] jointly but it is not a panacea," said Air Force Vice Chief of Staff for Programs and Resources Lt...