Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Rob Wittman (R-VA), Chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, addressed the subcommittee in a hearing regarding the F-35 acquisition program. Wittman emphasized the importance of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as the cornerstone of the Department of Defense's future tactical fighter aircraft fleet.
Wittman began his remarks by highlighting the National Defense Strategy's focus on China as the nation's pacing threat. He stressed the need to evaluate military capabilities to ensure robust deterrence and the ability to prevail against any aggressor. Wittman noted the decreasing fighter force structure and the inability to deliver replacement aircraft at affordable prices, while our adversaries continue to outpace us in building and fielding lethal fighter capacity.
Regarding the F-35 program, Wittman outlined the subcommittee's expectations in key areas of oversight. These include technical upgrades, software capability development, modernization of the air system and propulsion, cost reduction in operations and sustainment, and increasing the full mission capability rates of the F-35 fleet.
While acknowledging the program's challenges and setbacks, Wittman also recognized some of the program's successes from the past year. These include increased propulsion system mission capability rates and decreased non-mission capable rates. The program has also expanded its customer base through foreign military sales, enhancing worldwide capability and commonality for operations with partners and allies. Additionally, the F-35 Joint Program Office has expedited support for Israel, providing accelerated weapons capabilities and increased spares supply rates in their fight against Hamas.
However, Wittman expressed concerns about the program's continuing challenges. He emphasized that while the F-35 will be the most advanced tactical fighter aircraft the U.S. has ever built, patience with program development is wearing thin. Wittman highlighted four issue areas that need attention: TR-3 development and fielding challenges, propulsion and thermal management systems modernization, sustainment strategy planning, and the development and testing of software and mission systems capabilities.
Wittman concluded his remarks by assuring the subcommittee of his commitment to providing rigorous oversight to deliver the required capabilities of the F-35 at a reasonable cost. He stressed the importance of addressing the delays in fielding required capabilities and ensuring the success of the Department of Defense's largest acquisition program.
In summary, Representative Wittman expressed concerns about the challenges and setbacks faced by the F-35 acquisition program. He emphasized the need to address issues in TR-3 development, propulsion and thermal management systems, sustainment strategy planning, and software and mission systems capabilities. While acknowledging the program's successes, Wittman stressed the importance of delivering required capabilities in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost.
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