Two 27 FS F-22 Raptors refuels behind a KC-10 photo by TSgt Ben Bloker (Photo from 1rst Fighter Wing, Langley AFB, VA)From McClatchy News:
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert Gates Thursday said he was having "a big problem" with Congressional efforts to restore funding for the F-22, indicating that a showdown is looming between the Pentagon and Capitol Hill over the future of the one of the Air Force's most advanced fighter jets.
Gates had proposed ending production of the F-22 Raptor and replacing it with the F-35 or Joint Strike Fighter, an unpopular decision among airmen who favor the aircraft and members of Congress from 46 states, whose districts benefit from aircraft construction.
He spoke after the House Armed Services Committee Wednesday approved $369 million for "advanced procurement" of 12 F-22s in the fiscal year starting in September.
Read more ....
Update: ACC Boss Breaks Ranks On F-22 -- Aviation Week
My Comment: As regular readers of this blog know, I have predicted that the F-22 program will not die. Secretary of Defense Gates may bitch and complain, but Congress can (and will) decide what will be funded. Will President Obama use his political capital to stop this .... I doubt it.
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