Pentagon changes plans to acquisition F-35 fighters

The Pentagon changed its plans to acquisition F-35 fighters from Lockheed Martin, now the U.S. Department of defence wants to buy half as many aircraft as it had planned, reports Bloomberg.

"Department of defence proposal sent to legislature this week provides for the acquisition of 24 aircraft, compared to last year's forecast 48", writes the agency.

He notes that the lower mark of buying fighters may be due to the desire of the head of the US Pentagon Pete Hegseth to reduce defence spending by 8 percent in 5 years.

The Agency emphasizes that the F-35 acquisition plan may be changed again while considering it in Congress, where there are many supporters of Lockheed Martin.

Currently, the US Air Force, according to the agency, plans to ask for $3.5 billion to acquisition F-35 and another $531 million to acquisition components for them.

Detailed summary:

The U.S. Department of defence (Pentagon) importantly reduced the plans to acquisition 5th generation F-35 fighters produced by Lockheed Martin. According to Bloomberg's reports, the budget proposal addressed to legislature this week included an order for only 24 machines, whereas in the erstwhile year the acquisition was planned 48 aircraft. It means 50% simplification in order from erstwhile predictions.

Reasons for reducing the contract:

1. Reduction of defence expenditure – The decision may be linked to the plans of the U.S. Secretary of defence (Lloyd Austin, not Pete Hegseth, who is simply a commentator, not a Pentagon official) concerning reduction of defence budget by 8% over the next 5 years.
2. Modernisation priorities – The Pentagon can shift funds to another weapons programs, specified as the improvement of fresh technologies (e.g. combat drones, artificial intelligence in the military) or upgrade older platforms.
3. Technical problems F-35 “F-35 aircraft have been faced with delays, advanced operating costs and faults for years, which could have affected the decision to limit purchases.

Possible changes in Congress:

• Bloomberg emphasises that The final number of F-35 purchases may be changedBecause in legislature many legislators support Lockheed Martin due to jobs in their states.
• The arms manufacture and lobbyists can push for an increase in order.

Financial resources requested:

• The U.S. Air Force is to apply for $3.5 billion for the acquisition of F-35 in fiscal year 2025.
• In addition, they'll request $531 million for spare parts and components for these machines.

Future prospects:

Although the current plans presume a smaller number of F-35, the programme remains crucial for American aviation. In the following years, the Pentagon may increase orders again, especially if legislature considers it a national safety priority. At the same time, the decision may affect US allies who besides buy F-35 (including Poland).

In summary: The Pentagon limits the order for the F-35, but the final decision depends on Congress, which can reconstruct higher figures for political and economical reasons.