The US Air Force analysts conduct research of tactical aviation park as the budget preparations for 2023. The report appears in their report, the development of which can lead to a reduction in the order for multifunctional fighters-bombers F-35A. The authors of the portal Defense News came to this conclusion.
Currently, the US Air Force Tactical Aviation is based on seven platforms, but the head of the air force headquarters prescribed to reduce their number to four already by 2030.
So, a promising air-generation fighter created in the framework of the NEXT Generation Air Dominance program (NGAD). Perspective design will replace F-22. Multifunctional F-35A will remain a universal air platform, and most F-15 modifications will be replaced by new F-15EX Advanced Eagle.
The attention of the authors of Defense News has attracted the fourth list of the list. The US Air Force planned to leave modern modifications of the F-16 light fighter or replace them with a new light aircraft. This is contrary to the initial plan of the department, which prescribed the purchase F-35 to replace F-16. The authors of the material note that in the case of the development of a new modification of the F-16 or creating a new aircraft, the expediency of purchasing additional F-35 will be dubious.
Representatives of the United States Air Force noted that the initial purchase plan of 1763 units of F-35A remains unchanged. Meanwhile, the continued study can offer alternative options for configuration of the Air Force Park, – summarize the authors of Defense News.
Earlier in the US Congress made a proposal to reduce defense costs in the 2022th fiscal year. Chairman of the Committee on the Armed Forces of the House of Representatives Adam Smith announced amendment that brings the number of purchased F-35 aircraft to the cost of their maintenance.