The Pentagon has funded a number of programs designed to produce free-flying airships and tethered aerostats such as balloons and blimps to be used as platforms for surveillance equipment, but a watchdog says the military doesn't have a good eye on its budget or organization.
The various programs cost $7 billion between 2007 and 2012. An investigation by the Government Accountability Office, Congress' watchdog arm, found that the Pentagon has little comprehensive idea of how many projects are running, what they're working on or what they're costing.
"DOD has provided limited oversight to ensure coordination of its aerostat and airship development and acquisition efforts," the report said, and investigators recommended the Pentagon try to streamline and organize its airship and aerostat development efforts.
