Most of the talk on cutting the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program focuses on the US military’s plans for purchasing several variants of the aircraft. However, allied partners working alongside the US in the fighter’s development are getting antsy about all the talk. In particular, strategic ally Turkey, according to the Turkish Daily News, believes the rumored cancellation of the USAF conventional takeoff and landing version of the new fighter would endanger Turkey’s plan to buy up to four squadrons-worth of new fighters over the next 20 years. Turkey, along with other JSF development partners, was counting on the large American buy and some local manufacturing capability to help keep the price down.
Lawmakers are growing impatient for an overdue fighter recapitalization study from the Air Force, and members say they'll demand more detailed justifications for future aircraft retirements.