Subject: Re: F-35s to Saudis

It is foolhardy to give the current technology we might use in a war to our enemies.

The F-15 entered USAF service in 1976. The first contract to deliver 15s to Saudi was signed in 78, with deliveries starting in 82.

The F-14 entered USN service in 74, and deliveries to Iran starting in 76.

The 35 has been in USAF service since 2016, after being "in development" since the late 90s. The 35 is a lot older than the 14 and 15 when they were first sold to middle east clients.

Cross your fingers that the F-47 isn't another cluster for Boeing.

Remember the E-3 "AWACS", that has been out of production since the early 90s? Boeing tried to sell a replacement, the E-7. Turns out, the program is another cluster.

US Air Force Cuts the E-7 Wedgetail

The US Air Force recently announced its decision to cancel the E-7 Wedgetail, referencing extensive delays, cost overruns, and questionable mission alignment. The only question that remains is, what aircraft will replace it?

https://www.aero-news.net/AnnT...

That started a cascade.

NATO allies cancel E-7A Wedgetail order, eye replacement, says Netherlands

BELFAST — The Netherlands Ministry of Defence said today that together with “several [NATO] partner countries” they have jointly ended the acquisition of six Boeing E-7 Wedgetail Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) aircraft, due to the loss of “strategic and financial foundations.”

https://breakingdefense.com/20...

Boeing E-7A Drops Out Of South Korean AEW Competition

SEOUL—Boeing could be out of the running for South Korea's program to buy new airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft. The company failed to submit a bid in the third round of the E-X Phase II program's tender process, which closed June 30.

https://aviationweek.com/defen...

I have suspected that Boeing moved it's HQ to DC, to facilitate leaching off of DoD, on the assumption that DoD would put up with near infinite cost overruns and delays. Seems Boeing management honked up, again.

Steve