According to Reuters news service, an independent review commissioned by the Air Force finds that the service’s plan to establish a multiyear procurement program for the last 60 F-22As will not be the big money saver USAF had expected. That news confirms the view of many lawmakers, who expressed skepticism over the plan. Reuters obtained Air Force correspondence to Congress that indicated the actual savings would be less than half the original estimate of $500 million. Influential lawmakers earlier this year questioned both the legality of and justification for the proposal, asking for a more complete analysis upon which to base their decisions.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…