We don’t usually discuss defense issues here at Save Jersey, there’s no real reason why we don’t. However, we DO believe that the key to a strong, safe nation is a strong, agile and technologically savvy military. Whatever your beliefs are on war (I’m sorry “kinetic military action“) it is important to realize that having a high tech military is key to our survival as a nation.
Recently, Members of Congress and in the Pentagon have decided that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program should be put on probation while cost and technological problems are sorted out. Now while I have no problem in taking a step back and trying to cut costs and turn out a good product, it is important to realize that suspending or cutting the F-35 program has implications on a few different levels.
First, the F35 fighter is key to national security in providing a high-class fighter jet that can use stealth technology for ground attack, recon and air defense missions. It is the answer to China’s J-20 program, which will be fully operational by 2017. To give you a sense of how vital this program is to the Chinese – they engaged in cyber espionage to help develop the J20 off of pre-existing American jets including the F35 itself.
Secondly, the F35 fighter is a multi-contractor project that employs thousands of employees across the US in hundreds of companies. This hits home in New Jersey, as there are over 900 jobs in over 50 companies that are the product of the F35 development. New Jersey’s status as a technology hub is in part due to the presence of various military complexes including Picatinny Arsenal, Fort Dix, Fort Monmouth (which is closing due to military cuts) and Lockheed Martin in Moorestown and other major military contractors. These jobs bring New Jersey $63 million in revenue and there is the potential for more jobs and revenue if the program were to be restarted and expanded.
So what can you do? Well the simple fact is New Jersey Representatives – on both sides of the aisle – need to understand that the F35 project needs to be continued AND the production issues must be solved. But cancelling the project is no solution and will cost New Jersey important jobs! So call and write your Congressmen, Sen. Lautenberg and Menendez. And when people say – well we need to cut defense spending – just remember it’s not just money we’re cutting, it’s jobs and national security. Frankly, I’d rather have a stimulus through defense spending than lost jobs and a weaker country.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM2QgEStmIM
I disagree. I am a 28 year Air Force Veteran in the "Fighter Business."
First, the Chinese "stealth" aircraft is a fake. Even if it was real, our avionics and weapons technology is about a decade (at least) ahead of theirs.
Secondly, there is no need for platforms like the F-22 or F-35. Current aircraft like the F-16, F-15E and A-10 can be upgraded and newer versions can be built using existing facilities.
The new F-16 Block 60 aircraft being flown by Oman and the UAE are the most advanced fighter jets in the world and would easily eliminate anything that the Chinese or the North Koreans could put in the air.
What is alarming about the newest F-16 is that THEY fly them, not US.
I used to live at Patuxent River where my father (USMC-RET) was stationed from '84-90. kinda makes me homesick.
some crazy shit in the air over pax river!