At a well attended March 29th meeting with journalists hosted by the Defense Writers Group, Air Force Chief of Staff General David Goldfein covered a wide range of topics, from his concerns about keeping down the cost of the F-35 aircraft, to communications with the Russian military in Syria, to new gear to better fit female pilots.
Goldfein wants to see the cost of operating and sustaining an F-35 joint strike fighter fall to the same levels as current fourth-generation fighters like the F-16, he told reporters.
“Our initial target is to get them down to the equivalent or very close to what we’re currently spending to sustain fourth-generation fighters,” he said
The top Air Force general downplayed speculation that the F-35 aircraft purchase program could be reduced in number due to operating costs, telling reporters that he continues to be committed to the Air Force’s entire 1,763-unit buy.
Air Force Times: From boots to flight suits, the Air Force is working to improve gear for female pilots
Bloomberg: Air Force Risks Losing Third of F-35s on Upkeep Costs
Breaking Defense: Not Cutting F-35 Buy, But Depot Structure May Change: CSAF
Goldfeinhttps://breakingdefense.com/20
Defense News: US Air Force aims to lower F-35 sustainment costs to that of an F-16
DoD News: Defense Budget Provides Air Force With Needed People, Money, Time
Federal News Radio: Goldfein tries to justify press crackdown, says Air Force still obligated to talk to public
Jane’s: Goldfein remains committed to US Air Force F-35 programme of record
Jane’s: Goldfein defends USAF criticism of Boeing’s KC-46 work
http://www.janes.com/article/7
Military.com: Air Force Wants F-35 Support Costs at F-16 Prices: Goldfein
National Defense Magazine: Air Force Pushing Lockheed Martin to Reduce F-35 Sustainment Costs
Space News: Goldfein: Air staff ‘excited’ about new three-star space commander
http://spacenews.com/goldfein-
Task & Purpose: Air Force Finally Acknowledges Its Uniforms And Gear Are Not Made To Fit Women
https://taskandpurpose.com/air
TASS: Russian, US military contacts in Syria becoming more mature — USAF Chief of Staff
Washington Examiner: Air Force has no plans to cut F-35 purchases despite upkeep concerns, general says
