The omnibus defense acquisition reform bill (see above) proposed by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) includes a provision to greatly curtail the use of multiyear procurement arrangements by the military services. McCain says, “Buying weapons under a multiyear contract restricts Congress’ ability to exercise appropriate oversight.” He wants to limit the use of such contracts to “only the best performing and most stable programs.” The Air Force, right now, has a multiyear contract on the F-22A and may be working on one for an additional buy of C-17s under authority granted by Congress last year. McCain has a strong ally in this quest, because Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) opposed the F-22 MYP in the face of broad Senatorial support.
USAF to Cut F-35 Buy in Future Years Defense Plan
May 14, 2021
The Air Force wants to scale back buys of the F-35 over the next five years, hoping to get sustainment costs down and to wait for the more capable Block 4 version, according to talking points prepared for Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. The reduced buy will…