US general anxiety combat aircraft danger - media

A top Air Force officer has warned that parts shortfalls could threaten availability of the F-35 in a major conflict. The 'just-in-time' supply chain that provides the parts used to make America's F-35 fighter jets could jeopardize the ability of US forces to keep the aircraft in service during the country's next major war, according to US Air Force Lieutenant General Michael Schmidt. Bridget Lauderdale, general manager of the F-35 program for defense contractor Lockheed Martin, said the company has focused more on forecasting demand for the jet so it can anticipate its parts needs more accurately. Schmidt predicted that there will be between 500 and 600 F-35s operating in Europe within the next few years, and fewer than 100 will belong to the US military.