World Fighter Market Impacted by Major F/A-22 Program Cuts

Published: Apr 14, 2005
Source: www.defencetalk.com



Proposed cutbacks in the U.S. Air Force's prized F/A-22 fighter program could have a major impact on both the scope and composition of the world market for fighter/attack/jet trainer aircraft over the next 10 years, according to a new Forecast International market analysis.

USAF's planned inventory objective, already peeled back from 700+ to 277 units, will be further cut to 179 aircraft if the reductions stand. The service is expected to put up a spirited defense of its favorite program, and it may be that a compromise figure will be agreed upon.

Aviation analyst Bill Dane notes that “200 to 220 F/A-22's may be a realistic target, but in light of the Administration’s determination to implement major budget cuts, we are basing our forecasts on 179 aircraft.” continue..