The US Plans to Buy 500 Fighter Jets That Don’t Work
In a questionable move, the United States, despite facing pressing social and economic challenges, has decided to allocate billions of dollars towards purchasing a fleet of fighter jets that are plagued with issues. The F-35 program by Lockheed Martin Corp. has been under scrutiny due to its delayed testing, extensive modifications required for operational capability, and exorbitant costs. This article sheds light on the perplexing decision to invest in a fighter jet that raises serious concerns about its functionality and value for money.
According to the Pentagon’s test office, combat testing for the F-35 is set to begin no earlier than August 2018, a year later than initially planned. Alarmingly, the report suggests that more than 500 fighter jets may be produced before the assessment is complete. This raises doubts about the prudence of proceeding with production without fully understanding the aircraft’s capabilities and limitations.
The US Defense Department’s top weapons tester, Michael Gilmore, acknowledges that the F-35 requires a range of modifications to become fully capable. However, the affordability of these modifications is questionable, particularly as production rates increase in a fiscally constrained environment. This implies that the necessary upgrades may strain the budget and potentially be unaffordable for the military services.
The F-35 program has been marred by several significant problems, as reported by the US Defense Department’s top weapons tester. These include:
Fuel system deficiencies that limit maneuverability when carrying a full load of gas.
Inaccurate and high false alarm rates of the diagnostic system, called “ALIS.”
Cracks in wing spars and damage to fasteners and grommets discovered during testing.
Lack of high-fidelity simulators and specialized data for testing sensors and tracking enemy radar.
A pilot escape system that poses risks to pilots weighing 136 pounds or less, potentially causing neck injuries.
Despite widespread acknowledgment of the F-35’s flaws, production has continued unabated, leading to immense costs for American taxpayers. The program’s total cost has already reached a staggering $391 billion, with some estimates projecting it to be nearly $1.4 trillion. The persistence in production, despite known deficiencies, has been criticized as “acquisition malpractice” by a senior Pentagon official.
The decision by the United States to invest in a fleet of 500 F-35 fighter jets, despite their well-documented problems, raises serious questions about prioritization and resource allocation. With a significant child poverty rate and pressing social needs, such a massive expenditure on a flawed aircraft seems questionable at best. The F-35 program serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prudent decision-making and rigorous testing in defense procurement, ensuring that taxpayer funds are allocated responsibly and effectively.
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