The US Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, has emphasised the importance of the joint strike fighter (JSF) 35 program, both for enhancing military logistics and improving global security.
Gates spoke at a visit to Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth plant, where the final assembly operation for the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter is taking place. The company secured the $41 billion contract to develop the craft back in October 2001 and is now closing in on the completion date for the project.
"We cannot afford as a nation not to have this airplane," said Gates following a tour of the factory.
I was very impressed by what I saw this morning—by the investments that have been made in the production line, the robotics and automation," he added.
Gates commended the efforts of the technicians at the plant, saying he was "heartened" by what he had seen.
International Partnership
Under the current schedule, the government will start training pilots to fly the new craft in 2011. The aim is for the Marine Corps to be fully equipped for initial operational capability in 2012.
The United States and eight international partners are planning to buy more than 3,000 F-35 aircraft as part of a global effort to improve military logistics.
The UK is the only level one associate in the system development and demonstration phase of the program, with the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Canada, Norway, Australia and Turkey making up the remaining level two and three partners.
In March this year, the UK's Defence Secretary, John Hutton, announced that the UK would be buying three JSF test aircraft, a sign of the country's commitment to the military logistics project. It is contributing £2 billion to the £41 billion development program.
Military logistics and Industry Boost
Hutton said that the JSF is a vital part of the UK's military logistics strategy, forming an essential element of future combat air capability.
"By purchasing three aircraft for testing, we will secure access to the development of the program. Working alongside their US colleagues, our pilots will gain an unrivalled understanding of this awesome aircraft and its capabilities," he insisted.
Hutton also highlighted the economic benefits of the project, as well as the military logistics boost,
as over 100 UK companies are involved in it. According to the Ministry of Defence, the potential return on investment is "substantial."
The F-35 program features a range of craft with a fifth-generation tactical air system, designed with stealth characteristics and advanced sensors. These include the conventional take-off and landing, the short take-off and vertical landing and the C model to be used on Navy JL2 aircraft carriers.
F-18 Phase-Out from Military Logistics
It is a step forward from the F-18 aircraft, the US's first strike fighter, which was designed to combine fleet air defense capabilities with force projection, interdiction, plus close and deep air support. The F/A 18 Hornet is currently operating in 37 tactical squadrons around the world, from 12 aircraft carriers.
Canada, Australia, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain and Switzerland also use the Hornet as part of their aviation strike forces and military logistics operations.
The newest craft in the fleet is the Super Hornet, which comprises the E and F models. The Super Hornet is built upon the success of the A to D models, with a longer range, an aerial refuelling capability, increased survivability and lethality, plus improved carrier suitability, all boosting its military logistics capabilities.
According to the US Navy, the F/A18 E/F acquisition program was an "unparalleled success" for military logistics, with craft emerging on schedule and 400 pounds under weight. The first operational cruise of the Super Hornet F/A18 E was on board the USS Abraham Lincoln in July 2002 and it entered combat in November of that year.
The Hornets will eventually be phased out with the introduction of the new F-35 military logistics program.
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