The 
continued grounding of the majority of the F-15 fleet has caused defense officials to reconsider limiting the purchase of new F-22A Raptors to just 183. Jim Wolf of Reuters got an unnamed “senior Defense Department official” to confirm that “the grounding of F-15s is focusing attention on the issue at high levels.” Lockheed Martin said in September that it would need to see money in the 2009 budget if it is to keep the production line open beyond the 183 to be procured through 2011. Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute told Wolf that “insiders” have indicated the money will be there.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…