> it keeps the defense industry rolling, gives the military something to fly, politicians and the media something to talk about, and it's more or less capable o

> it keeps the defense industry rolling, gives the military something to fly, politicians and the media something to talk about, and it's more or less capable of bombing third worlders who can't effectively shoot back That sounds like the literal definition of a boondoggle. "work or activity that is wasteful or pointless but gives the appearance of having value."