via Defense News.
In recent weeks, two senior Republicans have suggested the US should avoid buying fewer of the Lockheed Martin-made fighter jets or significantly altering the often-troubled program, which has been plagued by technical, development and testing problems.Wow.
The first instance of the new F-35 talking point came from Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-N.J., chairman of the House Appropriations Defense subcommittee, in an April 30 interview with Defense News.
Asked whether he believes the Pentagon and Congress should merely pay whatever costs the program rolls up, Frelinghuysen did not directly answer.
But the New Jersey Republican did say this: “We have an obligation to our international partners. We are not alone in this investment.”
In a further signal that the pro-defense establishment wing of the Republican Party is rallying around the program — and Lockheed, which funnels plenty of campaign cash to the GOP — Frelinghuysen accused critics of “taking some potshots” at the F-35 program.
For all the sunshine and roses that the F-35 program puts out there, its becoming obvious that behind the scenes the program is in trouble.
The Representative put it out there.
Someone is talking about buying fewer of the airplanes. Someone is talking about significantly altering the program.
This turkey is inches away from getting plucked.
About fucking time. Maybe we can save the rest of the military once we put a bullet in the head of this abomination!
Solomon's gonna love new Godzilla movie, where the F-35 drops out of sky like flies in dozens by the flying monster(Not Godzilla).
ReplyDeleteactually no. i hate the idea of constantly remaking movies that are classics. they do themselves an injust by bastardizing something beautiful and show that they lack creativity by not coming up with something new.
ReplyDeletebut back to the F-35.
people point to the international program as the reason to stay with the program. but our international partners are pointing to us and saying that to be interoperable with the US they need to stay with the program.
the reality?
none of us can afford the airplane and its bits and widgets can be put on other aircraft to make them more effective while providing us with affordable alternatives.
this turkey is almost ready to die.
i'm saving two bottles of aged bourbon. one to celebrate the F-35 going away and the other to celebrate Amos being gone.
both will be opened this year.
http://breakingdefense.com/2014/05/f-35b-to-fly-at-christening-of-brits-newest-aircraft-carrier-if-weather-ok/
ReplyDeleteCheck this out. The funniest part was when the author referred to Amos as a "Canny fellow".