US F-35 lagging behind Russian, Chinese counterparts

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
16 Dec 2023 13:53
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Experts speaking to Sputnik have noted that despite the soaring costs of the F-35 fighter jet, it still falls behind its Chinese and Russian counterparts in terms of effectiveness.

A United States Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II takes part in an aerial display during the Singapore Airshow 2022 at Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore, Feb. 15, 2022. (AP)

Experts speaking to Sputnik have noted that despite the soaring costs of the F-35 fighter jet, it still falls behind its Chinese and Russian counterparts in terms of effectiveness. The escalating expenses have prompted the United States to pursue additional conflicts to rationalize the substantial investment in the aircraft.

In a recent audit by Congress, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that the costs of the $1.7 trillion F-35 program are spiraling out of control. Even 17 years after its first flight and eight years after entering service, an additional $44 billion has been added to its expenses. The Pentagon acknowledges persistent issues with technology upgrades, particularly related to cockpit electronics software.

The extra $44 billion exacerbated concerns about the program's financial sustainability. Top officials overseeing the project confirmed to Congress that new delays continue to emerge, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Notably, the report pointed to unanticipated challenges affecting the aircraft's engine, particularly that overheating is putting a strain on the engine.

"Extra heat is increasing the wear on the engine, reducing the engine's life, and adding a projected $38 billion in maintenance costs over the life of the aircraft," the GAO report read.

Furthermore, the ambitious $10 billion Block 4 program, designed to modernize the F-35 and enhance its capabilities to counter challenges from major peer competitor countries such as Russia and China, faces further setbacks. The GAO warned that the program will now cost 60% more than its original hefty price tag.

The US incites conflicts to boost investments

Former Pentagon analyst and retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Karen Kwiatkowski told Sputnik "The cost of this aircraft, continually rising and hard to justify financially, is a stunning example of what the corporate defense industry has wrought in its domination of Congress and of the Executive Branch. A new war anywhere in the world means new and long-term contracts, and provides high-paying jobs for a small sector of the country."

Kwiatkowski stated that the F-35 was crafted to provide consistent and increased revenue to defense contractors who are responsible for carrying out extensive repairs throughout the aircraft's lifespan. She highlighted the concept of having a single aircraft capable of handling all missions, ensuring guaranteed profits for the contractors. As the United States phases out older and more experienced air combat capabilities in favor of the F-35, she suggested that rather than instilling fear, the rest of the world might find this situation more amusing.

"One plane, all missions, and guaranteed profits. As older and more battle-hardened US air combat capabilities are retired and shifted to the F-35, the rest of the world may in fact be chuckling instead of shaking in their boots," she said.

According to Kwiatkowski, the shortcomings of the program, such as its incapacity to function without close logistics support, are acknowledged by the US Air Force. She noted that these lessons would be taken into account if the F-35 were deployed to safeguard Taiwan or involved in a conflict in the Pacific theater.

F-35 availabilities would also be far below the current 55% due to issues in durability and solidity. What is also obscure is whether the aircraft can operate in active confrontational environments, Kwiatkowski said.

F-35 faces difficulty in combat against Chinese and Russian jets

Retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Earl Rasmussen, former vice president of the Eurasia Foundation, has affirmed the efficiency of the F-35 but anticipated operational difficulties in the face of the Chinese and Russian J-20 and Su-57 jets, as they have the upper hand when it comes to speed, range, agility, and lethality.

Nevertheless, despite its challenges, Rasmussen emphasized that the F-35's sensor fusion technology represents a significant advancement. It offers unparalleled visibility by seamlessly integrating with other sensor systems and enhancing targeting capabilities.