Isn't the point of F-35 that it is next generation technology? A reduction in A's for the USAF seems realistic given the history of F-22, but I still see the C as the most at risk variant, not the B.
With USN investment in UCAS and UCLASS, the F-35C being the smallest buy, the C having the latest ISD and a submariner in charge of the USN, I can see this being the obvious variant to chop. The USMCs only option for future airpower is the B as they're hornets are running out of life and they're Harriers won't last forever.
Any reduction in numbers pushes up the cost for everyone else though, which would start a slippery slope of cancellations by partner nations.
Last edited by WhiteOvies; 18th Nov 2012 at 04:19.