Tom Burbage, Lockheed’s F-35 VP, says partner countries are assessing their future needs just as the US Defense Department is doing with its Quadrennial Defense Review. And, he notes that the partners are “anxiously awaiting” the results of the QDR to see if the JSF will be delayed, reduced, or scrapped outright. It would be a blow to the allies if JSF is eliminated, he said. “They are counting on this airplane” for their future defense needs, Burbage asserted.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.