To pick up on FB's comment about the media sniping at F-35's faults, I wonder if this program has been handled well.
Having started a media campaign to fanfare program successes, we have ended up with a massive
PR engagement that has also put all the failures and faults squarely in the public gaze. The good news is expected by the public in a modern program (I'm talking expectations, not reality, OK?), but so many failures have never really been made so obvious before.
This grand engagement with open media has done two things:
Backfired in that it has aired more dirty laundry than anyone expected to see,
Offered a LOT of free intel to its potential future opponents - yes I know classified stuff is controlled, but it all adds up.
Was it sensible to go so public?
P.S. Ooh look... ...
http://threepercenternation.com/2014...armingly-like/