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AIA Urges Congress To Fully Fund JSF Program October 26, 2001- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Aerospace Industries Association is pleased to see the Joint Strike Fighter program moving forward. Both contractors did an excellent job and produced superb prototype airplanes that performed well beyond what was required by the Defense Department. Now that the decision has been made, AIA urges Congress to fully fund the JSF program and move it swiftly to the next phase of development. AIA President and CEO John W. Douglass said, "We absolutely believe the U.S. and allied military needs the Joint Strike Fighter to maintain our superiority in tactical aircraft. The JSF will replace a number of programs that are now more than 20 years old and nearing the end of their useful life. It will be cost effective and incredibly useful for maintaining America's military capability in the uncertain years ahead," he said, adding, "In today's world of coalition warfare, programs such as this are even more important than ever." He noted that the JSF would not only be a joint services program, but an international program, with our closest allies investing in the program at the developmental stage. "It will not only be a critical asset to the U.S. forces, it will also provide the only affordable fifth generation aircraft available on the market to many friendly countries, as well as providing an important source of aerospace employment and export earnings for the next three decades." Douglass added that the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry would be looking at ways to keep American design capability viable. "We urge the administration, as they award the final contract, to be sensitive to the health of the industrial base," he said.
P.A. Rel 2001-28 10.26.01 -AIA- Contact: Matt Grimison, AIA |
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