The series identifies hugely expensive military equipment items in the budget because of political pressure for local jobs, not for any real military benefit.

This article is part three of a series, and contains good information, however it might be somewhat misleading concerning the F-22. Something is needed to counter balance the next generation of Russian and Chinese aircraft, the F-15 in it's current configuration will not be able to counter the threat (there is a fair amount of information to back that idea up, here is just one example: http://vayu-sena.tripod.com/comparison-f15-su30-1.html). Also regarding the F-35 the USAF has consistently stated that they need the F-22, and F-35 both to operate as a team, does that mean both should be purchased in the proposed numbers or even that these are the planes to be buying? The article does not have an answer and I am not sure that ... More »