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RealEyesRealizeRealLies's avatar

What will we do with 2400 Strike Fighters?

Asked by RealEyesRealizeRealLies (30960points) December 2nd, 2011

This information compiled from numerous sources. Links go to different web sites.

I dunno… I don’t see the current US air superiority being challenged by anyone… not even close…

So, when The Pentagon currently plans to buy more than 2,400 F-35 aircraft in three models, at a cost of more than $382 billion... And the Pentagon predicted that the total cost of owning and operating a fleet of 2,400 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters would top $1 trillion over five decades… I have to wonder, what are these jets needed for?
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Now we see them developing faults… A program that has had since 1990 to get the bugs worked out shouldn’t suffer from The analyzed hot spots that have arisen in the last 12 months or so in the program have surprised us at the amount of change and at the cost… Most of them are little ones. But when you bundle them all up and package them, and look at where they are in the airplane and how hard they are to get at after you buy the jet, the cost burden of that is what sucks the wind out of your lungs.
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Are we thinking right on this?

Thankfully, congress voted down the optional engine program which has already cost taxpayers $3 billion and the companies tens of millions, the companies said today. WHAT? that’s right, The alternate engine was costing taxpayers an estimated $1 million per day, according to the Department of Defense.

Yet, Even before the congressional “supercommittee” failed to reach a deal averting drastic cuts to defense spending, one group of lawmakers began mobilizing to protect a favorite weapons program… Caucus forms to save the F-35 from budget cuts.

NO DOUBT WHY Lockheed Martin supports a wide range of political leaders based on their level of interest and commitment in national security, homeland security, and other issues of importance to the corporation… Dicks, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, has received a total of $97,700 over his career from Lockheed’s PAC and employees.

Other top recipients of Lockheed money include Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.), the former Appropriations chairman, who has received $144,250, and Rep. Joe Barton (R-Tex.), who also represents Fort Worth and has received $129,950.
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What do we need 2400 Strike Fighters for? I can see where the military says they want them… but I can find no good argument for why they need them.

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10 Answers

RealEyesRealizeRealLies's avatar

Which would change the world for the better? 2400 Strike Fighters with all that goes into operating them… or take half that money and invest it in Solar, Wind, or RoofTop Garden technology?

cockswain's avatar

I have no clue why we’d need such a devastating force of jets, but I’m not in the upper levels of the military. But my guess is that this money could be waaaaaay better spent.

bob_'s avatar

Fly them?

Coloma's avatar

Posturing. Plain and simple. The pack of wolves doesn’t have to attack, but their presence is intimidating enough to ward off any intruders in their territory.

Ya know, the usual game of puffed up strut your stuff.

ragingloli's avatar

Serve the military industrial complex, naturally.

RealEyesRealizeRealLies's avatar

I bet it has some rally sweet cup holders.

less Jets… more Drones

HungryGuy's avatar

With the rise of all the Occupy movements across the US, the jets are to squash the coming rebellion by the Americans that the government and their corporate masters know is inevitable.

cockswain's avatar

Maybe this is how they’re going to secure the border.

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