The F-35: Gucci in a Filson World

The F-35 has been a source of controversy for a few years now. A fifth generation multi-role fighter developed to replace aging (and not so aging in the case of the F-22) airframes across the DoD, the F-35 seemingly falls into the trap of trying to please everybody and thus pleasing nobody. A recent article in Defense News (http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140204/DEFREG03/302040018?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter) discusses the F-35 and Japan. Japan has been on the verge for a while of officially re-acquiring its armed forces and upping its capability in the face of a perceived Chinese threat. In a recent interview the PM, Abe, noted that the relationship between China and Japan mirrors that of the UK and Germany on the eve of the First World War, an interesting statement as the centennial dawns. Originally I saw signs that the Japanese intended to make the F-35 a cornerstone of a new stance on security. This stance would assume more of a partnership role with the US without actually displacing it in the East Asian power structure. The SDF likes, loves actually, next generation western weapons systems; the F-35 is just one example. 

The point here is that if the JSF is going so far over-budget for the SDF that they are starting to have second thoughts while cutting their order, what does this mean for the US? The Marines already have one operational squadron with the special VTOL capability. Delivery is starting to commence with the Navy and Air Force. And questions already exist about the ability of the F-35 to improve upon existing Super Hornet and Raptor airframes. One engine vs. two, shorter range and smaller payload; that’s just the beginning of the capability issues many have raised against the JSF. Canada is also having second thoughts and with a renewed emphasis on Arctic security those basic capability issues may limit the ability of the RCAF to design effective mission profiles for their northern territory. 

I saw the JSF acquisition as a symbol of Japanese resurgence in the East Asian power structure. But is it really? It’s obviously more advanced than anything the Chinese possess. Perhaps that’s the problem, the dazzlingly advanced technology is not enough to offset the cost and the fact that the SDF could operate with something like the Eurofighter or the Gripen. But the alliance with the US pretty much ensures that that will not happen, barring some unforeseen circumstance. The F-35, for all its issues, is going to come. I only wonder what is on the drawing board to replace it.