In our American Fighters series, we have discussed the strengths and weaknesses and areas of concern about the present strategy the American military and NATO are pursuing by creating a sort of “one size fits all” military aircraft around which to base air-based combat operations and defense.
21st Century Wire says…
Defense News said that sixty-two percent of the US Navy’s F-18s are grounded and out of service and attributed this to be, ‘mostly because there isn’t enough money to fix them’ and noted they are awaiting planned maintenance and are held up waiting on spare parts.
The new Trump administration continues to surprise, with General James Mattis – recently confirmed as Defense Secretary – ordering a review of both the F-35 program, as well as the program for the replacement of Airforce One (the US President’s own transport jet).
The F-35 is supposedly the most expensive program in the US air force’s history. It has also been one of the most protracted and controversial, with many questioning the F-35’s capabilities as an effective combat aircraft.
