Lack of mechanics threatens U.S. Air Force target date for F-35


  • World
  • Friday, 31 Oct 2014

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Air Force may miss its target of August 2016 to start using the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 fighter jet in combat if Congress blocks the service's plan to retire its A-10 tank-killer aircraft, a top U.S. general said Thursday.

Air Force Lieutenant General Chris Bogdan, the Pentagon's F-35 programme chief, told reporters the Air Force was counting on training experienced A-10 mechanics to help reach the total 1,100 mechanics needed to declare that the F-35 had reached "initial operational capability" or IOC.

Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In World

Death toll from rains in southern Brazil climbs to 66, over 100 still missing
South Africa inquiry blames authorities for neglect leading to deadly fire
Death toll from Kenya floods rises to 228
On Orthodox Easter, Zelenskiy calls on Ukrainians to unite in prayer
Russia blames Baltic countries for the severing of most ties
Panamanians vote in crowded field of presidential contenders
Putin attends Easter service led by head of Russia's Orthodox Church
Fake videos of Modi aides trigger political showdown in India election
Australian police shoot boy dead after stabbing with 'hallmarks' of terrorism
Togo ruling party wins sweeping majority in legislative poll, final provisional results show

Others Also Read