The Pentagon wants a contractual framework for the next two rounds of F-35 purchases from Lockheed Martin that increase government leverage, limiting the sixth production run to 26 jets -- 20 percent below the 31 authorized and appropriated in fiscal year 2012 -- until the prime contractor demonstrates progress on specific criteria. In joint testimony prepared for the March 20 hearing of the House Armed Services tactical air and land forces subcommittee, the three senior Pentagon officials responsible for the...
