F-35 Fighter

The F-35 program is on life support.  All three version have issues that delay initial operational capability to around 2018.  This is not including sales to foriegn countries.  Many, if not all became partners in the program, to include making major financial investments.  Some of these countries, example Australia, have been forced to make investment in other aircraft as a temporary fixes. 

The Marine Corp version is the main one with the majority of issues.  Right behind that one is the Naval verision.  What is the solution?  In this era of budget cutbacks, deficit an debt.  the solution might not be pretty.  i believes if things continue the program could be at risk to be cancelled.  However, the realistic possibility that more then likely will happen is a extremely scaled back the program.  This will force the cost per aircraft to go higher then the current estimate of $450 million per plane.

My recomendation/s.  Re-open the F-22 line.  Build 100 more aircraft.  They already are testing a upgrade program for the F-22 that will give it limited air to ground capability.  It is already known, that the F-22 has very good air to ground possibility. 

Put the priority of  the Air Force Version of the F-35.  It has the fewest problems.  Even with issues it can be declared Initial operating capable the fasted.

Consider purchasing 100 F-15K to replace current older F-15s, especially in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

Help countries in the F-35 programs lease F-18Fs or F-15Ks to tide them over until the F-35 program is healthy.   This will also keep high tech production lines going and Americans working.