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"using that logic you can hold off buying a jet indefinitely because it will always be on the verge of having cheaper technology and such. Much like buying a PC"

Good point - and I was having that same argument in my head even while making my post -

But my thinking is....an updated F-14 and F-15 would surly be able to handle the "threats" of tomorrow for at least the next 5 years - and considering that the huge costs the F-22 is showing now....when resources are somewhat limited....currently we are involved in more "smaller scaled engagements" - (though, a big engagement could pop-up tomorrow as well!..and we must be prepared for that...I know).

I just somewhat think we blew it by not upgrading the F-14 - It seems the F-18E/F we replaced it with...(for cost reasons)...has bore out well - with the F-18F proving to be no real replacement for the F-14 -

The bottom line is....We definitely need aircraft that can win the sky's for us - Since we have abandoned the F-14....The Navy definitely needs a new air superiority jet (be it the F-22 or YF-23) The Navy needs one of these jets and we definitely have to bite the bullet and fund it!!

As for the air force.....and upgraded F-15 could still be an option....but at the same time....They don't want the Navy getting a "newer" toy without them getting one as well.

Good points, but with the stealth requirement and current fighters (like the F-15) having the radar cross-section of the state of Kansas, holding off may not be the best thing. Consider, when the F-22 was bought not all the technology was developed yet. A lot of the technology was a cool idea and not "real." This means as the aircraft was being built the technology was being developed. Add this to the periodic Program Management reviews where upgrades and modifications are made all the time through what they call a "spiral development," the jet is top-o-the line when it rolls of the line.

Costly?

You bet, but stealthy, and that is a big requirement.

I've got an EARLY flight and I'm turning in. Cheers, ya'all.