“Baloney. Fixing the early model F-15s doesn’t buy us the same thing (even remotely) as buying new examples of wholly new aircraft (f-22s). Directly comparing them implies that they do.”
Thats not what I said. I said the F15 can accomplish many of the missions we face. You don’t need a F22 for all missions.
“I have personal, professional experience with repeatedly fixing, patching, repairing mission critical equipment, all the while accepting reduced capability, compatibility problems, and lack of spares issues.”
So do I.
“At some point, somebody has to tell the fix-patch-repair crowd “NO”. At some point, wholly new equipment MUST be purchased. Continuing to string the old along invites disaster.”
Yes, at some point. Are we at that point? Are there other alternatives? Seems the Pentagon thinks UAVs may be a better options for some missions.
The current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are being fought without the F-22.