National Security

Navy, Marines fighter jet shortfall may top 100 aircraft

By Travis J. Tritten
Published March 28, 2017 9:59pm ET
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Navy, Marines fighter jet shortfall may top 100 aircraft
Navy and Marine Corps say strike fighter shortfall could number 100 aircraft. (Credit: U.S. Navy)

Navy and Marine Corps leaders told the House Tuesday they badly need more “metal on the flight lines” — not disputing an estimate by one lawmaker the services have a shortfall of about 100 strike fighter aircraft.

Top brass representing the service’s aviation programs asked the House Armed Services Committee to support more purchases of Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets and Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets after recent revelations that about half of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft are not ready to fly.

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Boeing Defense Department of Defense (Department of War) Fighter Jets Lockheed Martin Marine Corps Minusextra Navy Travis J. Tritten