via DoDBuzz.
The Marine Corps version of the jet, called the F-35B, which can take off like a helicopter and fly like a plane, will reach the milestone by December 2015; the Air Force’s by December 2016 and the Navy’s by February 2019, according to information provided by Marine Capt. Richard Ulsh, a spokesman for the service at the Pentagon.
“Our nation expects us to make informed decisions about developing and employing the most effective military capabilities to support our national security strategy,” Lt. Gen. Robert Schmidle, the Marine Corps’ deputy commandant of aviation, said in a statement. “The F-35 is the best hedge against the ever-evolving and unknown threats posed by potential adversaries.”
If you're an airpower advocate you should be jumping for joy. The F-35 has weathered the storm and will be introduced into USMC service by Dec. 2015.
If you're a Marine Corps supporter you should be alarmed, angry and ready to punch walls---or throats.
Even if we ignore the MV-22, UH-1Y and AH-1Z buys you're still left with a sickening feeling in the pit of your stomach when you look at the current and projected future state of Marine armor.
A quick list of MAJOR programs.
*Amphibious Combat Vehicle...it may or may not be a high water speed variant. If they choose that route then we're looking at another 5-10 years before its ready (quite honestly after seeing the procurement log jam, that's what I'm expecting....it won't be a legit response, merely a way to keep the hounds at bay)
*Marine Personnel Carrier...pick a vehicle between Lockheed and BAE and be done with it. If either one can't start production soon then give the other guy a chance...it won't happen because this program will be canceled...they'll use the carrot of replacing the AAV with the ACV on a one for one basis as an excuse.
*JLTV...I've heard from readers that are really big on this program, but I can't join with them on it. Upgrading HUMVEEs as a money saving measure seems like the better idea, but the USMC will swallow hard and take every bit of jizz from the ARMY on this project....a project neither service really needs.
*AAV Upgrade...we haven't heard a word on exactly what the upgrades will be but at this time I'm not holding my breath. I fully expect this upgrade to be pushed back and the best thing to happen will be that they will use a RESET program to get them back into decent, not great shape.
Long story short, we have an Aviator as Commandant, an Assistant Commandant for aviation and no one is looking out for the grunts.
Tell me I'm wrong but the USMC is being fucked for the sake of the F-35. From my seat it appears that one program is sucking up all the air in the procurement budget room.
Besides the above programs there is one more to watch. The CH-53K. First flight is suppose to occur in 2014. If that program is pushed back even further then we're looking at the every other Marine program being sacrificed to the F-35.