tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235303708202109019.post2478199540297875820..comments2023-12-13T12:36:55.729-08:00Comments on Phronesis / {fro-nay-sis}: F-35 COST EXPLODES: BUSINESS AS USUAL AT THE PENTAGONPHRONESIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07591076303642667442noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235303708202109019.post-20015809390293842012014-03-30T18:12:08.971-07:002014-03-30T18:12:08.971-07:00The power of the lobby behind the F-35 goes beyond...The power of the lobby behind the F-35 goes beyond our shores. A few years ago Boeing redesigned the F-15 to add stealth capability and more advanced electronics / avionics. Many believed this aircraft (called the F-15 Silent Eagle) matched or was better than the F-35 in air to air combat. Even better, its cost was projected at $105m to 110m. It also has the advantage of using many of the existing parts of current F-15's, reducing maintenance.<br />The South Korea air force apparently agreed that the F-15 Silent Eagle would be a capable alternative to the F-35 and decided, in 2010, to purchase them instead of the F-35. In mid 2013, this decision was overruled by the South Korean defense ministry. They have decided to purchase F-35's instead. Here is what they said "Defense officials cited the need to address North Korea's nuclear threat with stealthy, radar-evading jets, though other regional tensions are also driving the preference for the latest technology." <br />The F-15 is a stealthy, radar evading jet...<br />This decision came after a full court press from Lockheed-Martin and its congressional supporters. Lockheed-Martin desperately needs every order because it helps bring the cost per plane down and the Pentagon wants this program to succeed no matter what.<br />Hmmmm...what the Pentagon wants the Pentagon gets...even beyond our shores. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235303708202109019.post-29164286345625690872013-08-27T08:56:42.708-07:002013-08-27T08:56:42.708-07:00This explains beautifully how weapons systems are ...This explains beautifully how weapons systems are sold, then become very difficult to control. By the time the actual costs are known, there is so much momentum that its hard to stop. Further, given that the Pentagon has had a blank check for so long, there doesn't seem to be an incentive to change the process. No wonder Eisenhower was concerned about the military industrial complex! <br />Perhaps the sequestration budget cuts will inspire the Pentagon to reform their procurement process....jskintauyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06084146157168374174noreply@blogger.com