[Red6]

Cold War ended 1989, one would hope the the defense budget is greater than before then in absolute dollars not adjusted for inflation, seeing how inflation on average devalues currency by 50% over 20 years.

This article isn't even worth reading. Out of context, shocking words, and the rest of the typical hype and sensationalist crap these idiots write. All that matter is that you have a “cool sounding name.” You have lots of these experts in the field of politics/policy, defense, and environmentalism. They basically make a living by gossiping.

[DariusBane]

This reminds me of the mid 80’s 60 min. expose of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. They pronounced it underpowered, under armored, flammable, immobile and impotent.

The Bradley developed to be Fast, Mobile, and the main Gun lethal beyond expectation actually penetrating the turret ring of T-55 tanks at 1000 meters.

[Camel Joe]

Aside from the fact that this bird can drop “smart” ordinance which even to me suggests it would not need to carry as much. I also think it has the capability to slow down enough to hit its target, oh and also land if it needed to. I won't take anything away from the new A-10c but they are certainly mutually exclusive in their mission roles.