Expresses Frustrations About The Program To Reporters In Australia

The U.S. General leading the F-35 acquisition program had some harsh words for prime contractor Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney during an interview at the Australian Air Show.

Lt. General Christopher Bogdan, who leads the $396 billion program, said the two companies are "trying to squeeze every nickel" out of the U.S. government when it comes to the Joint Strike Fighter, and while Reuters reports that he said it is not his job to be a "cheerleader" for the program, his words are being seen as potentially problematic for the program.

In the 1990s, the Air Force was forced to cut its order from 750 F-22 Raptors to just 183 aircraft after politicians cut funding for the program. Some industry analysts say Gen. Bogdan's comments could have a similar effect on the F-35 program as budget-cutting members of congress or the administration put pressure on the military to cut costs. Richard Aboulafia, an analyst with the Teal Group, said Australia is already looking at upping its acquisition of F/A-18 Super Hornets, which could affect the number of F-35s it ultimately buys.

A senior Pentagon official also took issue with Bogdan's statement, saying that the contractors have the same feeling about how they are being treated when it comes to the JSF, and that "the U.S. Government does not negotiate with industry through the press."

Australia's conservative government is generally seen as being in favor of the F-35, but delays in the program are one of the driving forces behind the move to acquire more Super Hornets ... and analysts say that could leave less money in the future for buying the F-35s when they become operational.

(F-35 image from file)

FMI: www.af.mil, www.lockheedmartin.com