Posted on 01/05/2012 8:37:16 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Britain voices concern over future of F-35 in US
WASHINGTON — British Defence Minister Philip Hammond voiced concern on Thursday about possible cuts or delays in the US F-35 fighter program as London plans to equip a future aircraft carrier with the stealthy aircraft.
In a visit to the US capital, Hammond said he wanted to hear from Defense Secretary Leon Panetta about the potential effect of a new US military strategy and budget plan on the future of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
"One of the things I hope to understand in the meetings I am to have later today is what, if any, impact the announcements being made today will have on the Joint Strike Fighter program," Hammond told an audience at the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank.
Hammond's visit coincided with the unveiling of a revised American military strategy that calls for a "leaner" force as the Pentagon plans for $487 billion in cuts over the next decade.
At the Pentagon's presentation Thursday, officials gave no details as to possible changes to the F-35 program, which has been plagued by cost overruns and delays due to a spate of technical problems. US officials have acknowledged that the pace of production will likely be scaled back but have yet to offer specifics.
After Hammond's meeting with his American counterpart, the Pentagon issued a statement confirming the two discussed the US strategic review but made no mention of the F-35 jet.
The Pentagon said the two defense chiefs
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Can’t blame the Brits for being nervous - changes made in the DOD budget could affect their acquisition costs and I’m sure their defense doesn’t have a blank check these days.
Obama (or whatever his name is) is an enemy of the state. What?! Yes. He is an enemy of America, the piece of ****.
We have an enemy of the American People in the Oval Office, and his cadres are busy building a police state.
Well, considering that they just scrapped or sold off their entire Harrier force, in expectation that the F-35s would be delivered, I’d say that the Brits are very nervous.
I snorted my coffee all over my keyboard when I read that.
Wasn't it the Royal Navy that decided to purchase the F-35C instead of the F-35B, immediately retired (and sold to the U.S.) all of their Harriers, and they won't even have a carrier capable of catapult launching until sometime around 2020?
And they're worried about an F-35 delay?
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