National Security

Air Force has no plans to cut F-35 purchases despite upkeep concerns, general says

By Travis J. Tritten
Published March 29, 2018 2:59pm ET
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Air Force has no plans to cut F-35 purchases despite upkeep concerns, general says
F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighters land at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 15, 2017. | (Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew/Air Force photo)

The Air Force does not intend to cut the number of F-35A joint strike fighters it plans to buy despite rising concerns over ballooning upkeep costs, said Gen. David Goldfein, the service’s chief of staff.

Goldfein told reporters Thursday that the Air Force will pressure F-35 maker Lockheed Martin to bring down costs as it attempts to save money on sustaining the fifth-generation aircraft.

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Air Force Budgets and Deficits Defense Defense Spending F-35 Joint Chiefs of Staff Lockheed Martin Spending