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 rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
