[Pukin Dog]

Now the Air Force, in an article published Monday by Defense News, has acknowledged that nearly all of the 100 or so F-22 fighters already built or in production may have serious defects that could require $1 billion in repairs.

Well, I wondered what took them so long! The Air Force is slipping. This is a FUD (Fear-Uncertainty-Doubt) story, no more, no less. When your latest pet-project is close to the chopping block, it is time to start raising questions about other programs that would benefit from getting your money.

Just a well (but late) timed PR move to try to save the F-35 from being gobbled up in the push for additional F-22s.

[brooklin]

Is the F-35 any good as a fighter? I haven't seen anything about how well it handles compared to a F-16.

[El Gato]

Just a well (but late) timed PR move to try to save the F-35 from being gobbled up in the push for additional F-22s.

Both aircraft are primarily Lockheed designed and built, I don't think even LockMart would sabotage it's own program. OTOH, it's a big company, internal divisions are all too likely.

Unless you mean the F-35 SPO vs. the F-22 SPO. That's entirely possible as well.

[Atchafalaya]

I thought the "puppy" was dead; it seems to have more lives than a cat.