Hearing on the DoD's tactical aircraft programs, primarily the F-22, the F/A-18E/F, and the joint strike fighter. Desert Storm showed that an effective tactical air power component of the military is fundamental for our national military strategy. In the past, billions of dollars were spent developing aircraft we didn't procure or an aircraft we procured in quantities too little to justify the developmental costs. DoD faces an annual procurement shortfall of $20 billion and a projected increase in infrastructure costs of $26 billion between 1997 and 2001. Testimony from: DoD; Joint Chiefs of Staff; CBO, and the GAO. Includes schedules, and cost charts for aircraft.

This book analyzes the development and evolution of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a multinational aircraft endeavor involving the U.S. and many of its allies. The author provides a historical overview of jet fighter aircraft, discussing the different generations of these planes and their technical characteristics, as well as an outline of emerging international geopolitical and security trends the F-35 may see combat in. By examining the role of defense industries, domestic politics, and governmental oversight of the Joint Strike Fighter in various countries, the author concludes that this aircraft will be deployed in most of these countries to replace their aging jet fighter fleets and combat potential military aggression from China, Russia, and other revisionist international powers.

This comprehensive report on U.S. air power examines whether the U.S. Secretary of Defense has sufficient information from a joint perspective to prioritize programs, objectively weigh the merits of new program investments, and decide whether current programs should receive continued funding. Summarizes major changes in U.S. air power capabilities since 1991 and the broad capabilities of potential adversaries. Synthesizes the findings of six individual air power reviews that were conducted over the past two years. Charts and tables.