"Having suspended the F-22 Raptor production for only 187 specimens was one of the most stupid military procurement decisions of the last decades, nobody denies it anymore." This was stated by Air Force Secretary Deborah James during "Smart Women, Smart Power".
"The original plan was to produce quite a bit of F-22. Unfortunately, a series of regrettable circumstances and budget overruns anticipated the conclusion of the program. We just pulled the plug and closed the production line. Now we are focusing on the F-35, even if it will never do what the Raptor guarantees ".
James also confirmed that the entire production line was not cannibalized, but kept in storage as well as all projects. This means that the next president of the United States could also consider reopening the line Raptor (the military push in this direction).
The Obama administration has never feared such a possibility, granting only the necessary updates (not without difficulties) for the only fifth-generation fighter now in service in the world.
(photo: Lockheed Martin)
