Shutting down the F-22 Raptor jet fighter program at 187 planes—instead of 240 as some wanted—was a calculated defense gamble. President Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates needed to crystal ball tomorrow's defense needs against now-unknown enemy aircraft.
However, Congress' 58-40 vote wisely supporting the president could have far-reaching significance. The White House and Congress may be entering an era in which weapons decisions will be based on real defense needs, not whether defense contractors want work and members of Congress want jobs in their states.
The F-22, which costs $170 million to $350 million per plane depending on whether all development costs are included, was designed to parry Cold War Soviet air-power threats that no longer exist. It is unsuitable for combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Now precious dollars can be funneled from the F-22 into more needed defense materiel. As Oregon's Democratic U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said, Oregon National Guardsmen on duty in Iraq and Afghanistan are asking for more body armor and boots. On the other hand, Idaho's two senators, Mike Crapo and James Risch, voted to continue F-22 production, despite their criticism of government spending.
Another funding priority is more unmanned air drones that can hover for hours over enemy areas, fire missiles and drop bombs with lethal precision, while not risking the lives of pilots.
Putting money into unneeded fighter planes at the expense of American troops on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan made no sense. Good thing the pragmatists carried the day.
