In retrospect, killing the RAH-66 Comanche was almost too easy. It's only customer -- the US Army -- volunteered to cancel it. The program's industrial constituency nervously gambled that the army's promises to re-invest the Comanche budget would be heeded, which miraculously came true. There were no international industrial partners with a financial, political and strategic stake in the program. All it took to sign the Comanche's termination memo was a recommendation by the army's famous "council of colonels", which was approved by Secretary and chief of staff.
It's inevitable that the next administration will explore every option to fix the bulging US Air Force/US Navy fighter shortfall, but it's hard to imagine at this point that killing the F-35 will be seriously considered by decision-makers, even if it is advocated behind the scenes by the program's enemies.
Thanks to all who shared their thoughts about this critical issue yesterday. The comments really highlighted the political and bureaucratic issues with canceling the F-35, even by those who believed it was a good idea.
I can confidently guarantee that we'll hear more about this debate in the months ahead, and it will be useful I think for us to remember our initial reaction.
It's inevitable that the next administration will explore every option to fix the bulging US Air Force/US Navy fighter shortfall, but it's hard to imagine at this point that killing the F-35 will be seriously considered by decision-makers, even if it is advocated behind the scenes by the program's enemies.
Thanks to all who shared their thoughts about this critical issue yesterday. The comments really highlighted the political and bureaucratic issues with canceling the F-35, even by those who believed it was a good idea.
I can confidently guarantee that we'll hear more about this debate in the months ahead, and it will be useful I think for us to remember our initial reaction.
Recent Comments