The Obama administration has cut off production of the new Raptor F-22 stealth fighter. This is the only fighter plane the US has that can outfly the latest Russian fighter aircraft. The production of the F-22 will stop at 187 aircraft and the production lines will be shut down, causing the loss of many skilled jobs. along with the job loss we also lose military aircraft know-how and the advanced stealth fighter technology. The F-35 is supposed to be good enough that we don't need the Raptor. But the F-35 is 300 to 400 mph slower than the Raptor and is not stealth capable. It can be beaten by Russian aircraft. Also the Chinese are in the final test phase of their new J-20 fighter plane. The J-20 appears to have stealth capability according to experts' reviews.
The question is this: Is the US cutting too many corners in military capability to save minuscule amounts of money compared to the amount of money spent on stupid boondoggle programs and welfare? I say yes! The military budget may need some cutting in certain areas, but I don't believe that aircraft and missiles are the places to cut. Mr. Gates has also cut the SLAMRAAM air-to-air defensive missile system. This is also costing jobs and the loss to technology that will not be regained.
These cuts I believe are a sign of the decline of power of the USA and the cost may be very dear in the blood of Americans in the future. If you agree with me, call and write your Congressmen and let them know what we think!
I wouldn't worry too much about the F-22. Years ago, funding was cut for the B-1, but it got built. In the 1990s, Congress tried to cut the Marine Corps' V-22 Osprey, but it got built. Somehow, I feel sure that the F-22 will be built as well, for many of the reasons you mention and more.
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