I think what this comes down to is nationalism and the appeal of strength. This guy just likes the idea of building up his nation’s MIC.

As a professional computer toucher who works among the techbros, a lot of them are also convinced that if the US doesn’t step up and make advanced child bombing contraptions, then the US’s enemies (namely China) will rise and inflict even greater torment on the world. “Just look at what they’re doing to the Uyghurs!”