Raytheon Company (RTN), General Dynamics Corporation (GD), Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc (HII): How Much Will a War With Syria Cost?

Clearly, that didn’t happen, and the United States’ national debt now sits at more than $16.9 trillion — and climbing. In regard to Syria, the Obama administration said it only wants to send a message. However, that “message” is already costing millions, and there are many who believe a missile strike on Syria is just the beginning of a much bigger conflict. Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) went so far as to say, “We are in a position with Syria where the steps that we are taking could very well have us in a war soon.”

Silver lining?

A U.S. missile strike on Syria is unpopular, not only with Russia and China, but also with the American people. According to a Pew Research study, by a 48% to 29% margin, more Americans oppose Syrian airstrikes than support them. However, such an airstrike could be the catalyst to a resolution for sequestration or, at the very least, a for supplemental spending bill.

So far, every attempt to pass a defense spending resolution has failed, and the impasse has directly affected profits for defense contractors. But if the U.S. goes to war with Syria, Congress will be forced to pass a measure to fund the war. That would be great news for defense contractors in general, in particular, the three I’ve mentioned, as they have a large stake in Navy readiness. But considering the costs of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and how much even non-engagement with Syria is already costing, let’s hope the U.S. avoids a war with Syria.

The article How Much Will a War With Syria Cost? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Katie Spence.

Fool contributor Katie Spence has no position in any stocks mentioned. Follow her on Twitter: @TMFKSpence. The Motley Fool owns shares of General Dynamics and Raytheon.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.