DOD aims to scrap A-10 to keep F-35 alive in new budget

[Lasher]

40. This is a good conversation to have.

I've read up a little on the issue but I'm no expert. F-35 proponents say we need a more multi-purpose platform where components can be shared, and that the A-10 is not suitable for some retrofits we'll want in the future.

If we don't keep modernizing, we're not going to have unchallenged air superiority forever. For example, China has stolen our F-22 and F-35 blueprints and they're been building stealth fighters - not very good ones it appears so far, but I'm thinking about the future.

OTOH we have the F-22 for air superiority and the F-35's capabilities would not be as substantial for that purpose. And although the F-35's multi-purpose platform is supposed to make the plane more cost effective, I'm seeing that argument pretty much dismantled in this thread, at least insofar as an A-10 replacement is concerned.

First and foremost we need to cut military spending. It's hard not to like the Warthog and you A-10 proponents make a compelling argument, but I'm still making up my mind.