Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning and F-22 'Raptor' : News & Discussion
- Thread starter Nick
- Start date
Yeah.
48 jets for 9.1 billion GBP or $12.26B is $255M per jet.
Belgium:
34 jets - $6.53B - $192M per jet.
Belgium – F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft | The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency
Korea:
60 jets - $10.8B - $180M per jet.
Korea – F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft | The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency
Japan:
42 jets - $10B - $238M per jet.
Japan – F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft | The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency
And Japan's order comes with a final assembly line.
So the UK is already paying plenty enough even if they are Bs. The F-35's cost seems to be competitive with the Rafale's if we are to believe these figures.
That's why I pointed out that they are probably comparing the procurement cost of the F-35 with the flyaway cost of the Typhoon.
With the F-35 costing $255M per jet, and if Typhoons are half that, someone's got a massive bridge to sell if they are talking about a $127.5M Typhoon with weapons and sustainment costs.
To confirm your post here's an article about belgium procurement :
New Revelations Undermine Belgium’s F-16 Replacement Plans
"Vandeput has also failed to explain how Belgium would be able to afford buying 34 F-35s costing $6.53 billion (worth about €5.35 billion) when it has only budgeted €3.6 billion, also given than an additional €1.2 billion will be required to operate them.
Conversely, he was quick to say in December that France’s offer to supply the same number of Dassault Rafale fighters for less than €3.6 billion, including wide-ranging industrial benefits, “is too good to be true,” six months before France finally detailed its offer last week. (see below) "
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Navy’s F-35 doesn’t have range for real stealth strikes, House report says
"The reason for that concern is that the F-35C doesn't have the range to conduct long-range strikes without in-flight refueling—and the Navy's tanker planes are not exactly "stealth."" => then even considering the arrival of the MQ-25
"The F-35C suffers somewhat from the length of its development cycle. Competition for the Joint Strike Fighter program began in 1993—25 years ago—when the military threats facing the United States were significantly different."
"The committee notes that the aircraft carrier air wing has been optimized for striking power and sortie generation and believes that it may not be configured to support the long-range strike required by current and future threat systems. While the introduction of the F-35C will significantly expand stealth capabilities, the F-35C could require increased range to address necessary targets. The committee believes that several options could be used to address this issue to include developing a stealth tanker capability, improved engine technology, or to develop and procure a strike capability that is purposely built to strike at increased range."
=> F-18 block III and F-35C doesn't have the versatility and the potential of evolution necessary against the chinese missile threats.
"The reason for that concern is that the F-35C doesn't have the range to conduct long-range strikes without in-flight refueling—and the Navy's tanker planes are not exactly "stealth."" => then even considering the arrival of the MQ-25
"The F-35C suffers somewhat from the length of its development cycle. Competition for the Joint Strike Fighter program began in 1993—25 years ago—when the military threats facing the United States were significantly different."
"The committee notes that the aircraft carrier air wing has been optimized for striking power and sortie generation and believes that it may not be configured to support the long-range strike required by current and future threat systems. While the introduction of the F-35C will significantly expand stealth capabilities, the F-35C could require increased range to address necessary targets. The committee believes that several options could be used to address this issue to include developing a stealth tanker capability, improved engine technology, or to develop and procure a strike capability that is purposely built to strike at increased range."
=> F-18 block III and F-35C doesn't have the versatility and the potential of evolution necessary against the chinese missile threats.
no weapon in the deal. Probably with some support and test bench.
This value is to compare to the "made in Japan" F35 cost : 53% higher than intended. now stands at 137,6 $millions each.
Yeah, everybody throws around different prices. The problem is not the journalists, but these officials who shoot their mouths off without knowing anything.
Here's the entire US defence comitee report to prepare FY2019 :
Nothing good for the F-35 except foreign sales.
Foreign sales seems to be the corner stone of this program.
"The committee notes that for the F–35 program’s international partners and foreign military sales customers who are participating in the program, the F–35 will become a cornerstone for future coalition operations. The committee believes that the F–35 will help to close a crucial capability gap that will enhance the strength of our security alliances. The committee, therefore, continues its strong support of this essential aircraft development and procurement program. "
F-35 is not sustainable but the comitee recommend to follow one
"Accordingly, the committee strongly urges the Secretary of the Air Force and the Secretary of the Navy, in concert with the F–35 Joint Program Office, to undertake the necessary actions to reduce F–35 sustainment costs. The committee believes that those actions should include, but not be limited to, addressing spare part shortages, addressing technical data requirements, accelerating both land- and sea-based intermediate maintenance capabilities, and modernization of the autonomic logistics information system.
Additionally, the committee believes that increased F–35 production rates and larger F–35 economies of scale could also help lower unit procurement and sustainment costs. Moreover, the committee also believes that advances in potential adversary aircraft and surface-to-air missile defense systems necessitate a combat fighter force with a higher percentage of fifth generation aircraft. Accordingly, the committee strongly encourages the Department to increase future F–35 production rates. "
ALIS seems to be a very bad experience for every workers. LM can't no more hide such bad Publicity.
Consistent with its support of the F–35 program and oversight responsibilities, the committee notes that at a hearing held by the House Committee on Armed Services’ Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces on March 7, 2018, the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force witnesses all expressed a concern about the autonomic logistics information system (ALIS). The Air Force witness testified that the ALIS is currently labor-intensive for maintainers and support personnel, negatively affecting flight line operations and workforce development. During a subcommittee visit to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, in April 2018, subcommittee members met with Air Force F–35 maintenance personnel who reported that they are still very disappointed in the autonomic logistics information system, and continue to have to use manual workarounds that take time and effort, resulting in lower aircraft availability and mission capable rates. Given these ongoing problems, the committee will continue to conduct a detailed review of the ALIS program.
A-10 vs f-35 : the comitee Don't want to wait the results and recommend to accelerate the wing replacement program
"The committee continues to believe that sustainment of the 281- aircraft A–10 fleet helps to meet Air Force fighter aircraft capacity requirements. The committee notes that A–10 force structure consists of five Air Reserve Component and four Active Duty squadrons, and that any fewer than nine squadrons will not meet future combatant commander demand for A–10 aircraft. Consequently, subsequent to the test and evaluation of the F–35A and A–10C required by section 134 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328), the Department should not take any action to reduce the number of A–10 squadrons. Accordingly, the committee believes the Department of the Air Force should accelerate the A–10 wing replacement program.
A canopy problem
The committee notes that the F– 35 program uses a sole-source contract to procure F–35 canopy transparencies.
No more money to afford more planes than shedule
Section 151—Buy-to-Budget Acquisition of F–35 Aircraft This section would authorize the Secretary of Defense, subject to section 2308 of title 10, United States Code, to procure a higher quantity of F–35 aircraft than authorized by this Act if such additional procurement does not require additional funds.
La navy Don't want f-35C to fight china, nore new version, nore specialized drones to keep it safe. Then it's the A-12 come-back.
The committee notes that the aircraft carrier air wing has been optimized for striking power and sortie generation and believes that it may not be configured to support the long-range strike required by current and future threat systems. While the introduction of the F–35C will significantly expand stealth capabilities, the F–35C could require increased range to address necessary targets. The committee believes that several options could be used to address this issue to include developing a stealth tanker capability, improved engine technology or to develop and procure a strike capability that is purposely built to strike at increased range. The committee further notes that the Navy previously desired to significantly increase the carrier air wing range with the development of the A–12 aircraft. The committee understands that the A–12 would have included a 5,000-pound internal carriage payload, stealth, and a range of 800 nautical miles. While the committee believes that requirements to support this capability remain relevant and the technology available, the development of the A–12 aircraft was mired in acquisition challenges that eventually resulted in the cancellation of the program. While the committee further believes that the Department of Defense has successfully developed a suite of long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, the committee also believes that it is vital that the Navy develop a carrier-based long-range strike capability. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide a briefing to the Senate Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Armed Services by January 25, 2019, on options to expand the strike range of a carrier air wing in a contested environment, including manned and unmanned capabilities, and, Department of the Navy capabilities it plans to pursue in the Next Generation Air Dominance capability.
A program ARTS to simulate modern SAM threat
During a visit to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, in April 2018, F–35A pilots briefed committee members that current training ranges are not equipped with the threat radars necessary to provide the most effective training for F–35 pilots, and the committee believes that the ARTS emitter programs should be accelerated.
The comitee needs more visibility on C2D2 program
While the SDD required flight test is now complete, the committee further notes that flight testing continues in support of phased capability improvements and modernization of the F–35 air system in an effort formerly known as block four and now known as continuous capability development and delivery (C2D2). The C2D2 program will provide timely, affordable incremental warfighting capability improvements to maintain joint air dominance against evolving threats to the United States and its allies. Section 224(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328) directed the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the congressional defense committees that contains the basic elements of an acquisition baseline for the F–35 block four program. However, the report delivered in January 2018 provided only an initial insight into the basic elements of the F–35 C2D2 program. The committee understands that a complete report is planned to be submitted in March 2019, and believes that the basic elements of an acquisition baseline are vital to the ability of the committee to conduct its oversight responsibilities of a significant F–35 modernization budget. Therefore, elsewhere in this Act, the committee recommends a provision that would limit the obligation of funds for the F–35 C2D2 program until the Secretary of Defense submits the complete report required by section 224(b) of Public Law 114–328. The committee also notes that in its annual report on the F–35 program, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation assessed that the F–35 C2D2 schedule was not executable due to insufficient test resources, including an inadequate number of test aircraft configured to conduct C2D2 test flight activity. Accordingly, the committee believes the Department should procure an additional six new test aircraft, two in each of the F–35A, F–35B, and F–35C configuration, to support the C2D2 program so that capability improvements and modernization can be more rapidly developed and procured to meet evolving threats.
The comitee stop 25% necessary C2D2 funds
Section 215—Limitation on Availability of Funds for F–35 Continuous Capability Development and Delivery This section would limit the obligation or expenditure of 25 percent of the funds for the F–35 continuous capability development and delivery program until 15 days after the Secretary of Defense provides the congressional defense committees a detailed cost estimate and baseline schedule for the program. This section does not apply to any funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for the development of F–35 dual capable aircraft capability.
Section 216—Limitation on Availability of Funds Pending Report on Agile Software Development and Software Operations This section would temporarily restrict funding for software development efforts that use agile development and operations methodology until the Secretary of the Air Force provides a report to the congressional defense committees that describes the cost-estimation tools, the types of contracts, and the mitigation efforts to avoid duplicative development related to the strategy for modernizing and upgrading existing software at worldwide Air Force Air Operations Centers.
OBOGS
Section 223—Report on Efforts of the Air Force to Mitigate Physiological Episodes Affecting Aircraft Crewmembers This section would require the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a report to the congressional defense committees by March 1, 2019, on all efforts of the Air Force to reduce the occurrence of, and mitigate the risk posed by, physiological episodes affecting crewmembers of covered aircraft and would require the inclusion of certain elements in such report. In this section, the term ‘‘covered aircraft’’ would mean F–35A aircraft of the Air Force, T–6A aircraft of the Air Force, and any other aircraft of the Air Force as determined by the Secretary of the Air Force.
beryllium
The committee notes that beryllium is the only material designated by the Department of Defense’s Strategic Materials Protection Board as a critical material. The committee notes there is a complete, vertically integrated supply chain in the United States for beryllium metal and other beryllium products that are used in major defense systems including the F–35 Joint Strike Fighter and nuclear weapon systems. This supply chain has historically been supported by the Department of Defense through the Defense Production Act and other authorities as required in order to maintain access to this critical, strategic material. The committee is interested in the Department’s efforts to help the U.S. defense industrial base sustain a secure, viable, and affordable domestic supply of beryllium.
https://www.congress.gov/115/crpt/hrpt676/CRPT-115hrpt676.pdf
Nothing good for the F-35 except foreign sales.
Foreign sales seems to be the corner stone of this program.
"The committee notes that for the F–35 program’s international partners and foreign military sales customers who are participating in the program, the F–35 will become a cornerstone for future coalition operations. The committee believes that the F–35 will help to close a crucial capability gap that will enhance the strength of our security alliances. The committee, therefore, continues its strong support of this essential aircraft development and procurement program. "
F-35 is not sustainable but the comitee recommend to follow one
"Accordingly, the committee strongly urges the Secretary of the Air Force and the Secretary of the Navy, in concert with the F–35 Joint Program Office, to undertake the necessary actions to reduce F–35 sustainment costs. The committee believes that those actions should include, but not be limited to, addressing spare part shortages, addressing technical data requirements, accelerating both land- and sea-based intermediate maintenance capabilities, and modernization of the autonomic logistics information system.
Additionally, the committee believes that increased F–35 production rates and larger F–35 economies of scale could also help lower unit procurement and sustainment costs. Moreover, the committee also believes that advances in potential adversary aircraft and surface-to-air missile defense systems necessitate a combat fighter force with a higher percentage of fifth generation aircraft. Accordingly, the committee strongly encourages the Department to increase future F–35 production rates. "
ALIS seems to be a very bad experience for every workers. LM can't no more hide such bad Publicity.
Consistent with its support of the F–35 program and oversight responsibilities, the committee notes that at a hearing held by the House Committee on Armed Services’ Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces on March 7, 2018, the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force witnesses all expressed a concern about the autonomic logistics information system (ALIS). The Air Force witness testified that the ALIS is currently labor-intensive for maintainers and support personnel, negatively affecting flight line operations and workforce development. During a subcommittee visit to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, in April 2018, subcommittee members met with Air Force F–35 maintenance personnel who reported that they are still very disappointed in the autonomic logistics information system, and continue to have to use manual workarounds that take time and effort, resulting in lower aircraft availability and mission capable rates. Given these ongoing problems, the committee will continue to conduct a detailed review of the ALIS program.
A-10 vs f-35 : the comitee Don't want to wait the results and recommend to accelerate the wing replacement program
"The committee continues to believe that sustainment of the 281- aircraft A–10 fleet helps to meet Air Force fighter aircraft capacity requirements. The committee notes that A–10 force structure consists of five Air Reserve Component and four Active Duty squadrons, and that any fewer than nine squadrons will not meet future combatant commander demand for A–10 aircraft. Consequently, subsequent to the test and evaluation of the F–35A and A–10C required by section 134 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328), the Department should not take any action to reduce the number of A–10 squadrons. Accordingly, the committee believes the Department of the Air Force should accelerate the A–10 wing replacement program.
A canopy problem
The committee notes that the F– 35 program uses a sole-source contract to procure F–35 canopy transparencies.
No more money to afford more planes than shedule
Section 151—Buy-to-Budget Acquisition of F–35 Aircraft This section would authorize the Secretary of Defense, subject to section 2308 of title 10, United States Code, to procure a higher quantity of F–35 aircraft than authorized by this Act if such additional procurement does not require additional funds.
La navy Don't want f-35C to fight china, nore new version, nore specialized drones to keep it safe. Then it's the A-12 come-back.
The committee notes that the aircraft carrier air wing has been optimized for striking power and sortie generation and believes that it may not be configured to support the long-range strike required by current and future threat systems. While the introduction of the F–35C will significantly expand stealth capabilities, the F–35C could require increased range to address necessary targets. The committee believes that several options could be used to address this issue to include developing a stealth tanker capability, improved engine technology or to develop and procure a strike capability that is purposely built to strike at increased range. The committee further notes that the Navy previously desired to significantly increase the carrier air wing range with the development of the A–12 aircraft. The committee understands that the A–12 would have included a 5,000-pound internal carriage payload, stealth, and a range of 800 nautical miles. While the committee believes that requirements to support this capability remain relevant and the technology available, the development of the A–12 aircraft was mired in acquisition challenges that eventually resulted in the cancellation of the program. While the committee further believes that the Department of Defense has successfully developed a suite of long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, the committee also believes that it is vital that the Navy develop a carrier-based long-range strike capability. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide a briefing to the Senate Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Armed Services by January 25, 2019, on options to expand the strike range of a carrier air wing in a contested environment, including manned and unmanned capabilities, and, Department of the Navy capabilities it plans to pursue in the Next Generation Air Dominance capability.
A program ARTS to simulate modern SAM threat
During a visit to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, in April 2018, F–35A pilots briefed committee members that current training ranges are not equipped with the threat radars necessary to provide the most effective training for F–35 pilots, and the committee believes that the ARTS emitter programs should be accelerated.
The comitee needs more visibility on C2D2 program
While the SDD required flight test is now complete, the committee further notes that flight testing continues in support of phased capability improvements and modernization of the F–35 air system in an effort formerly known as block four and now known as continuous capability development and delivery (C2D2). The C2D2 program will provide timely, affordable incremental warfighting capability improvements to maintain joint air dominance against evolving threats to the United States and its allies. Section 224(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328) directed the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the congressional defense committees that contains the basic elements of an acquisition baseline for the F–35 block four program. However, the report delivered in January 2018 provided only an initial insight into the basic elements of the F–35 C2D2 program. The committee understands that a complete report is planned to be submitted in March 2019, and believes that the basic elements of an acquisition baseline are vital to the ability of the committee to conduct its oversight responsibilities of a significant F–35 modernization budget. Therefore, elsewhere in this Act, the committee recommends a provision that would limit the obligation of funds for the F–35 C2D2 program until the Secretary of Defense submits the complete report required by section 224(b) of Public Law 114–328. The committee also notes that in its annual report on the F–35 program, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation assessed that the F–35 C2D2 schedule was not executable due to insufficient test resources, including an inadequate number of test aircraft configured to conduct C2D2 test flight activity. Accordingly, the committee believes the Department should procure an additional six new test aircraft, two in each of the F–35A, F–35B, and F–35C configuration, to support the C2D2 program so that capability improvements and modernization can be more rapidly developed and procured to meet evolving threats.
The comitee stop 25% necessary C2D2 funds
Section 215—Limitation on Availability of Funds for F–35 Continuous Capability Development and Delivery This section would limit the obligation or expenditure of 25 percent of the funds for the F–35 continuous capability development and delivery program until 15 days after the Secretary of Defense provides the congressional defense committees a detailed cost estimate and baseline schedule for the program. This section does not apply to any funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for the development of F–35 dual capable aircraft capability.
Section 216—Limitation on Availability of Funds Pending Report on Agile Software Development and Software Operations This section would temporarily restrict funding for software development efforts that use agile development and operations methodology until the Secretary of the Air Force provides a report to the congressional defense committees that describes the cost-estimation tools, the types of contracts, and the mitigation efforts to avoid duplicative development related to the strategy for modernizing and upgrading existing software at worldwide Air Force Air Operations Centers.
OBOGS
Section 223—Report on Efforts of the Air Force to Mitigate Physiological Episodes Affecting Aircraft Crewmembers This section would require the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a report to the congressional defense committees by March 1, 2019, on all efforts of the Air Force to reduce the occurrence of, and mitigate the risk posed by, physiological episodes affecting crewmembers of covered aircraft and would require the inclusion of certain elements in such report. In this section, the term ‘‘covered aircraft’’ would mean F–35A aircraft of the Air Force, T–6A aircraft of the Air Force, and any other aircraft of the Air Force as determined by the Secretary of the Air Force.
beryllium
The committee notes that beryllium is the only material designated by the Department of Defense’s Strategic Materials Protection Board as a critical material. The committee notes there is a complete, vertically integrated supply chain in the United States for beryllium metal and other beryllium products that are used in major defense systems including the F–35 Joint Strike Fighter and nuclear weapon systems. This supply chain has historically been supported by the Department of Defense through the Defense Production Act and other authorities as required in order to maintain access to this critical, strategic material. The committee is interested in the Department’s efforts to help the U.S. defense industrial base sustain a secure, viable, and affordable domestic supply of beryllium.
https://www.congress.gov/115/crpt/hrpt676/CRPT-115hrpt676.pdf
Not good for the F-35C but a a great contender for the Indian navy :
Here Is Boeing's Master Plan For The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's Future
Here Is Boeing's Master Plan For The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's Future
"[USN] intends to purchase 110 new F/A-18E/F aircraft in the Block III configuration over a four year period. The service also plans to upgrade at least a portion of its 540 existing Super Hornets to the new standard as part of a service life modification program, or SLM, that will run through at least 2025."
Norway now has thirteen F-35s total, seven at Luke Air Force Base and six at Ørland Air Station. An additional three will make the trans-Atlantic journey from the US to Norway later this year.
A nice video of Norwegian pilots training at Luke AFB in Arizona. Mentioned in the post above, Norway has seven F-35s stationed temporarily at Luke AFB for pilot training.
My favorite part, "My radar's looking for them but it can't see them"
Norwegian Air Force Maj. Morten Hanche, shown in the video, is Norway's chief test pilot on the F-35 program. He has 2200 hours on the F-16 including combat service over Libya - Misrata, Libya as shown from Maj. Hanche's F-16.
In talking with the Major, hearing his views on videos and reading (and translating if anyone's interested) his articles, it becomes clear that the Norwegian Air Force has glowing reviews of the F-35 versus the F-16 we're transitioning from.
My favorite part, "My radar's looking for them but it can't see them"
Norwegian Air Force Maj. Morten Hanche, shown in the video, is Norway's chief test pilot on the F-35 program. He has 2200 hours on the F-16 including combat service over Libya - Misrata, Libya as shown from Maj. Hanche's F-16.
In talking with the Major, hearing his views on videos and reading (and translating if anyone's interested) his articles, it becomes clear that the Norwegian Air Force has glowing reviews of the F-35 versus the F-16 we're transitioning from.
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A nice video of Norwegian pilots training at Luke AFB in Arizona. Mentioned in the post above, Norway has seven F-35s stationed temporarily at Luke AFB for pilot training.
My favorite part, "My radar's looking for them but it can't see them"
Norwegian Air Force Maj. Morten Hanche, shown in the video, is Norway's chief test pilot on the F-35 program. He has 2200 hours on the F-16 including combat service over Libya - Misrata, Libya as shown from Maj. Hanche's F-16.
In talking with the Major, hearing his views on videos and reading (and translating if anyone's interested) his articles, it becomes clear that the Norwegian Air Force has glowing reviews of the F-35 versus the F-16 we're transitioning from.
I wish I understood Norwegian.
F-35's to Turkey is starting to become a real issue...
This thing is becoming interesting.
I've been watching talk of NOT selling Turkey F-35's and thought it was a lot of bluster without real meaning. Turkey is a partner nation. The program office can't afford to have 100+ F-35's taken off the books...not now...not when the program is desperate to ramp up to drive down costs.
But apparently this is real. Check it out from Almasdarnews.
This is getting good and illustrates the idiocy of international development of weapon systems. Alliances are always short lived things. Friends today transform into enemies tomorrow.
Even among allies international weapons development has ALWAYS been painful and rarely fruitful.
The best course has always been for a single nation to develop a system and if it works others will buy it. Building to committee always fails.
When you add in wild cards like geo-politics of the Middle East and S. Europe and you have nothing but a mess.
Turkey should be sold the F-35. Bug them, put in kill switches and plant explosives so that they explode mid flight if they head toward a target we don't like...but sell the plane. If it works like I expect then we can anticipate the Turkish Air Force to be combat ineffective in months.
Posted by Solomon at 6/04/2018 07:26:00 PM
SNAFU!: F-35's to Turkey is starting to become a real issue...
This thing is becoming interesting.
I've been watching talk of NOT selling Turkey F-35's and thought it was a lot of bluster without real meaning. Turkey is a partner nation. The program office can't afford to have 100+ F-35's taken off the books...not now...not when the program is desperate to ramp up to drive down costs.
But apparently this is real. Check it out from Almasdarnews.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoglu stated on Monday that the U.S.’ hesitancy to sell the F-35 fighter jets has caused friction between the two NATO nations.
“There really is tension between Ankara and Washington over a contract for the delivery of fifth generation fighters, but do not forget that Turkey, even before the contract with Russia, discussed the issue of air defense procurement with its ally,” Cavusoglu stated.
“The US Washington refused to sell them to us. If they are ready to sell such systems to Turkey today, we are ready to buy them,” Cavusoglu said at a meeting organized by the Turkish-American National Coordinating Committee (TASC), as quoted by Anadolu Agency.
Yep.“There really is tension between Ankara and Washington over a contract for the delivery of fifth generation fighters, but do not forget that Turkey, even before the contract with Russia, discussed the issue of air defense procurement with its ally,” Cavusoglu stated.
“The US Washington refused to sell them to us. If they are ready to sell such systems to Turkey today, we are ready to buy them,” Cavusoglu said at a meeting organized by the Turkish-American National Coordinating Committee (TASC), as quoted by Anadolu Agency.
This is getting good and illustrates the idiocy of international development of weapon systems. Alliances are always short lived things. Friends today transform into enemies tomorrow.
Even among allies international weapons development has ALWAYS been painful and rarely fruitful.
The best course has always been for a single nation to develop a system and if it works others will buy it. Building to committee always fails.
When you add in wild cards like geo-politics of the Middle East and S. Europe and you have nothing but a mess.
Turkey should be sold the F-35. Bug them, put in kill switches and plant explosives so that they explode mid flight if they head toward a target we don't like...but sell the plane. If it works like I expect then we can anticipate the Turkish Air Force to be combat ineffective in months.
Posted by Solomon at 6/04/2018 07:26:00 PM
SNAFU!: F-35's to Turkey is starting to become a real issue...
They need clean weather situation to take off....
And they each need no less than 8 in flight refueling to travel, in a clean config....
It is a long range strick fighter? Nooooooo ..... even in good weather.