East Central Alabama News

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rob Wittman (R-VA), Chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, expressed various concerns during a recent hearing on the Department of Defense's budget request for fixed-wing tactical and training aircraft programs.

Wittman highlighted the focus on China as the nation's pacing threat and raised issues regarding the clarity in defining force composition and required capabilities within the U.S. military's tactical fighter force structure. He noted a decrease in the fighter force structure and the challenges in delivering replacement aircraft at affordable prices to maintain capacity.

The Representative emphasized the need for the U.S. to keep pace with adversaries who are rapidly advancing in building and fielding lethal fighter capacity and capabilities. He specifically addressed concerns within the Air Force's fiscal year plans, including divesting fighter aircraft without sufficient replacements and the truncated F-15EX program.

Regarding the F-35 program, Wittman acknowledged its significance in the future tactical fighter fleet but stressed the importance of accelerating the final fielding of TR-3 hardware and Block 4 software. He expressed concerns about delays in aircraft deliveries, cost overruns, and the need for software development to enhance operational capabilities.

Additionally, Wittman raised issues surrounding the conflict of interest of a top defense tester related to Lockheed Martin, emphasizing the importance of an unbiased assessment in complex acquisition programs like the Joint Strike Fighter.

The hearing shed light on critical challenges facing the U.S. military's tactical fighter force structure and aircraft programs, emphasizing the need for clarity, affordability, and timely implementation to maintain combat capabilities in the evolving global security landscape.