Lockheeds F-35 facing new scrutiny from Trump administration
Donald Trumps doubts about the $379 billion F-35 fighter jet program could cast a pall over the defense industrys early euphoria that a major boost in spending is coming after the next administration takes office.
The stealthy fighter built by Lockheed Martin was the only major weapons program Trump questioned during the campaign, even as he espoused the need for a larger Army and more warships. In an October 2015 interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump criticized the jets costs and said he heard that its not very good. Im hearing that our existing planes are better.
Hell have to decide quickly whether that skepticism still stands.
Soon after taking office in January, Trump will be faced with some key decisions about the F-35 and other weapons systems. Under current plans, the U.S. is scheduled to boost purchases of the jet in the fiscal 2018 budget year to 70 from 63 this year, and then to 80 in fiscal 2019.
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