The Air Force has apparently gotten over one of its biggest taboos: talking internally about the possibility of buying more F-22s. Until recently, USAF was under strict orders not even to think about it, but recent developments have caused the possibility to crop up in some “what if” PowerPoint slides. Those developments include likely further slips in the F-35 strike fighter’s schedule and an upcoming defense acquisition board review of the F-35 expected to be fraught with bad news on cost. That would come on the heels of various deficit-cutting proposals that already suggest cutting the F-35 buy. Without F-35, Air Force fighter inventories will plummet below minimums in coming years as F-16s age out. Extending F-22 production could be the dealmaker if F-35 foes carry the day and compel USAF to take mostly new-build F-16s instead. Continue
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.