Replacing F-35s with F-18s ($23 billion)
The F-35 program has failed in its purpose to save U.S. taxpayers money, and has received widespread criticism, according to Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC). Many in the Navy point out that the existing fleet of F/A-18E/Fs can perform the F-35’s air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, has a greater range than the F-35C with similar speed and is a durable, proven airframe that can be improved with electronic and payload enhancements. Similarly, replacing half of the Marine Corps’ F-35B buy with F/A-18 variants will achieve savings while preserving the Corps’ short take off and vertical landing capability.
