Flop – F-35 Proponents can’t tell you that it works

Author: Dan Grazier
Date: December 18, 2024

Summary of the Article

The article critiques the F-35 fighter jet program, calling it a costly failure with limited military value. Despite over two decades of development and nearly $300 billion spent, the aircraft has not demonstrated adequate combat capabilities or reliability. The focus on economic arguments to justify the program reveals its inefficiencies and the military-industrial complex’s misaligned priorities. The author suggests that reforms are necessary to prevent further defense spending failures.

Main Points

• Elon Musk’s Critique: Musk labeled the F-35 program a “jack of all trades, master of none,” due to unrealistic initial requirements.
• Economic Justifications: Supporters emphasize the program’s economic impact rather than military effectiveness, a troubling trend for defense spending.
• Underwhelming Performance:
  • F-35s have limited combat capabilities.
  • A 30% mission-capable rate was recorded for the fleet in 2023.
• Historical Parallels: The F-35’s failure mirrors other costly, ineffective programs like the Littoral Combat Ship.
• Broken System: Defense spending has increased by 50% since 2000, yet numerous programs have failed to deliver.
• Potential Solutions: Limiting F-35 production until issues are resolved could signal to the defense industry the need for accountability.

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