Via “Inside Defense”…
Davis: Analyst Estimates of Fewer JSF Buys are ‘Total Speculation’
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program office has not had a single request to look at how fewer Air Force buys would affect the program, according to the program’s executive officer. Analyst estimates made last week of Air Force plans to buy fewer JSF than originally planned are “total speculation,” he added.
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The program’s chief means of cost management are QUANTITY and supposed COMMONALITY. Admitting to a quantity reduction would unwittingly imply further cost increase, which already is the hottest issue surrounding the multinational project. No insider would admit to a reduction in JSF buy.
The contractors and investors are at a standstill: LM would not agree to a fixed flyaway cost; few partner nations would commit to a buy.
But based on recent history. How many F-15Es, Super Hornets, B-2s, and F-22s were planned when each program started? The shortfalls are in the thousands.