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Trump is right to consider canceling the F-35
Donald Trump debated defense policy in a tweet today, saying: Based on the tremendous cost and cost overruns of the Lockheed Martin F-35, I have asked Boeing to price-out a comparable F-18 Super Hornet! And he's right to do so. The F-35 was supposed to replace the F-16, A-10, and F/A-18. But it's turned into a much more expensive mess. (www.americanthinker.com) More...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
I wonder how many F-16s or FA-18s could be bought for the cost of one F-35? Perhaps we ought to be investing in more F-22s. There are many A-10s in desert storage that could be reactivated and updated at a fraction of the cost. The F-35 will never fill the ground support role the A-10 does. The F-22 will be the air superiority fighter for the next 10-20 years also. Strength through superior firepower is still valid.
One F-18, depending on version 0-1 F-16s.
Try to find the price of a F-35. Best I can tell is no one knows, but after some research my best guess is 146 million. Warthog is 18 million. Now, you have your squad on patrol and are surrounded by the bad guys. Call for air support and you are told you can have 1 F-35 or 8 Warthogs. Easy decision on the ground. But difficult in Washington politics.
LRIP 9 is $102.1M, $131.6M, and $132.2M for an A, B, and C. Took about five seconds to find.
An A-10 was $18M when first bought. In 1998 dollars an F-16 was $18.8M. When Iraq purchased their F-16s the cost was between $109-165M per aircraft. Jordan bought used F-16s for $90M a copy.
An A-10 was $18M when first bought. In 1998 dollars an F-16 was $18.8M. When Iraq purchased their F-16s the cost was between $109-165M per aircraft. Jordan bought used F-16s for $90M a copy.
Comparing the F-35 to the F/A-18 is the proverbial comparison of apples and oranges. Even the Israeli Air Force chief says that the F-35 is a game changer. The F-35 is obnoxiously expensive, but it a giant step in sensor technology. The Super Hornet is not stealthy, and does not have the advanced sensor advantages. Expensive? Compare today's health costs, college tuitions,and automobile prices compared to the recent past. Advanced technology frequently equals increased $$$$.
Stealthy for who, Achmed and co in their 87 Toyota's with their stick welded shoulder missiles.
Certainly the message has been sent to Boeing and Lockheed Martin that the rules of the game are about to be changed. We are likely to see a few more public examples of those contracting with the government to be certain they all get that the trough is not going to be refilled by the taxpayer. Expect too the buried report indicating $240 Billion wasted by the Pentagon will be dusted off and folks held accountable.
All this signals that the A-10 in not only safe but additional money over and above that already announced will be invested to upgrade it. With Mattis and Kelly holding two of the top spots in the Administration, these two warriors are not about to surrender the grunts favorite CAS aircraft to the guys with their wallets on their heads and their shiny toys.
The other area that will be fun to watch will be all the unused real estate and land the Feds hold and pay through the nose for. Expect all that to come off the books.
All this signals that the A-10 in not only safe but additional money over and above that already announced will be invested to upgrade it. With Mattis and Kelly holding two of the top spots in the Administration, these two warriors are not about to surrender the grunts favorite CAS aircraft to the guys with their wallets on their heads and their shiny toys.
The other area that will be fun to watch will be all the unused real estate and land the Feds hold and pay through the nose for. Expect all that to come off the books.