The whole reason for extending the F-22 production line by two years is to “bridge” to F-35 production—to keep a warm fifth-generation fighter line going, said Lt. Gen. Stephen Wood, deputy chief of staff for plans and programs. Given the Joint Strike Fighter track record—it has already endured a year’s delay in development—the obvious question is what if it happens again. Although to many observers another JSF slow down is a distinct possibility, Wood said that USAF sees “no signs of that yet,” however, he added, if the F-35 failed to materialize on schedule, USAF would call for a “re-look” at building more F-22s. “Our Chief and our Secretary have said they would like more aircraft,” Wood noted, but under the QDR, “183 [F-22s] is the program of record.”
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
