When visiting Shrewd'm with a laptop, it can be pleasant to hold Command (or Ctrl with Windows) and '+' a few times. The site scales to allow any font size, and the larger font can be pleasant to read even for Shrewds with perfect sight! For luxury Shrewdness, you can combine that with setting the browser to full screen. You'll then find yourself Shrewding a lot.
- Manlobbi
Halls of Shrewd'm / US Policy
No. of Recommendations: 11
Today, Trump said “we’ll be selling” F-35s to Saudi Arabia despite a Pentagon report that raised concerns that China could acquire the plane's advanced technology if a sale to Saudi Arabia was approved.
OK, is Trump stupid, a traitor, or ignorant? Did someone bribe him?
Can anyone defend this extremely anti-American act?
No. of Recommendations: 1
You mean the Saudi king that Biden fist bumped?
No. of Recommendations: 2
despite a Pentagon report that raised concerns that China could acquire the plane's advanced technology
"Advanced technology"? The 35 was designed in the late 90s. Several years ago, I read that DoD was buying up electronics spares, because the components were obsolete and the vendors were stopping production.
It does make my heart happy, that Lockheed will be bleeding some other government, besides our own. :)
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 3
"Advanced technology"? The 35 was designed in the late 90s. Several years ago, I read that DoD was buying up electronics spares, because the components were obsolete and the vendors were stopping production.
So you’re more aware of all the technology built into the F-35 than the Pentagon. Got it.
Are you also aware that the F35 is constantly being updated with new hardware and software?
No. of Recommendations: 13
AlphaWolf:
Did someone bribe him?Yes.
The Trump Organization is in talks that could bring a Trump-branded property to one of Saudi Arabia’s largest government-owned real estate developments, according to the chief executive of the Saudi company leading the development.
The negotiations are the latest example of President Trump blending governance and family business, particularly in Persian Gulf countries. Since returning to office, the president’s family and businesses have announced new ventures abroad involving billions of dollars, made hundreds of millions from cryptocurrency, and sold tickets to a private dinner hosted by Mr. Trump.The most corrupt, immoral man ever to set foot in the White House: Pedo Don.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/15/world/middleeas...
No. of Recommendations: 2
So you’re more aware of all the technology built into the F-35 than the Pentagon. Got it.
The pump seal company I worked for insisted it's seals were the most perfect thing ever conceived. Reality was they were a 40 year old design, that had long since been eclipsed by competitors who offered seals that worked at least as well, at lower cost.
By definition, anything in series production now, is obsolete, because the boffins have something better in development.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 4
By definition, anything in series production now, is obsolete, because the boffins have something better in development.
This isn’t a 40 year old pump. As I mentioned previously, the plane’s hardware and software are constantly being updated.
Is there something better in development? I sure hope so! But you can’t defend yourself with something in development. At this moment, we rely on the F-35.
It is foolhardy to give the current technology we might use in a war to our enemies.
No. of Recommendations: 0
Is there something better in development? I sure hope so! But you can’t defend yourself with something in development. At this moment, we rely on the F-35. I guess that would be the F-47? Though this says it's the successor to the F-22 Raptor, not the F-35:
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2025/09/22/first-f...
No. of Recommendations: 0
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/AnnTicker.cfm?do=main.te...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/2025/11/nato-allies-ca...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/defense/aircraft-propulsi...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
No. of Recommendations: 10
The negotiations are the latest example of President Trump "blending governance and family business"
What a cute way of saying he's corrupt as hell.
No. of Recommendations: 4
OK, is Trump stupid, a traitor, or ignorant? Did someone bribe him?
This was obviously rhetorical to a great extent, but the answers are: YES, YES, YES, and certainly YES.
Pete
No. of Recommendations: 4
the saudis would be first not to put their own pilots on overpriced military planes when combat calls.
not to mention the near 100% american reliance on maintenance and readiness.
throw in trump signaling americans are not to trusted allies, and one can see why europe can not wait to move to as many of their defense platforms ASAP.
