House Armed Services Chairman Duncan Hunter berated the lack of stability in major acquisition programs, saying Wednesday that the “DOD budget legacy is one of missed procurement opportunities.” He called budget decisions made on the F-22A, the Joint Strike Fighter alternate engine, and others over the last few years “difficult to understand.” His bottom line: “Frequent changes in acquisition programs lead to increased program costs, and in the end, result in fewer platforms being fielded.”
The head of AIr Combat Command isn't sure the cost of operating the F-35 will hit the desired $25,000 per hour by 2025, and he's headed out to meetings to see what can be done to make it happen. He's also concerned that China will beat the U.S. to 6th-generation…