I think the point Crunch is making is that while some of these other aircraft have comparable specifications, they are essentially already on their way to obsoletion. I am of the mind that we should spend more to buy the superior aircraft that will still be relevant in the years to come.
However, I don't mean to imply carte blanche on spending, but if the price point per plane for the F-35 program is reduced to closer to what we were promised, then I think that is the most effective use of our defense funds.
I just don't believe in cheaping out to avoid short term pain, when we already know the technology is advancing and evolving in such a way that going any other route would put the lives of our pilots at risk.
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