Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is turning its focus to the Department of Defense (DoD) as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce wasteful spending. DOGE has begun a review of the DoD’s $850 billion budget, aiming to identify areas for cost savings and efficiency improvements.

In a post on X, DOGE shared details about its initial meeting with the DoD. “Great kickoff with @DeptofDefense. Looking forward to working together to save taxpayer dollars and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse,” DOGE tweeted.

The DoD’s budget is the largest portion of the federal government’s discretionary spending, but it is still smaller than mandatory programs like Social Security, Medicare, and interest on the national debt. This makes the DoD budget a prime target for potential savings and better resource management.

Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, suggested that one way DOGE might improve efficiency is by centralizing the DoD’s various innovation programs. These “innovation cells” are spread throughout the department and aim to accelerate the integration of new technologies into the military. However, Clark noted that these efforts have been inefficient and have not met expectations. He believes DOGE could centralize these efforts under the secretary of defense to improve effectiveness.

Clark also mentioned large, capital-intensive programs like the F-35 Strike Fighter and Ford-class aircraft carriers as potential targets for scaling back, freeing up funds for emerging technologies. Other programs, such as the Navy’s Constellation-class frigate and the Army’s new reconnaissance aircraft, could also be scrutinized for cost savings.

“Some programs might be seen as expensive and not critical to the DoD’s core responsibilities. DOGE could focus on reallocating those funds to drones, uncrewed systems, AI, and other technologies that are more essential,” Clark explained.

Jim Fein, a national security expert at the Heritage Foundation, agreed that high-profile programs like the F-35 and B-21 Raider should not be cut entirely due to their importance to national defense. However, he recommended improving the efficiency of these programs instead of slashing them. Fein suggested reforming the DoD’s contracting process, moving from cost-plus contracts to fixed-price contracts to encourage cost-saving measures.

Fein also highlighted the need for DOGE to examine research and development initiatives that don’t directly contribute to military readiness. He pointed out that billions of taxpayer dollars are spent on basic research with minimal return on investment for the military.

While the defense budget is typically a bipartisan process, and changes require congressional approval, DOGE’s push for efficiency could still lead to significant improvements in how taxpayer money is spent in the Department of Defense.