To up fighter readiness levels, Pentagon looks to retire older planes and fix supply chains
By: Aaron Mehta   2 days ago
WASHINGTON — With Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis issuing new guidance demanding readiness for tactical air assets increase in just one year, the Pentagon is openly acknowledging that older planes will have to be retired and cannibalized for parts to make it happen.
The department will also look to overhaul how it handles its supply chain, according to the department’s No. 2 official.
In a September memo, first reported by Defense News, Mattis ordered the Air Force, Navy and Marines to get the Pentagon’s fleets of F-16, F-18, F-22 and F-35 fighters to a minimum of 80 percent mission ready. That would represent a major jump in readiness over a short period of time, raising skepticism amongst analysts.
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2018/10/11/to-up-fighter-readiness-levels-pentagon-looks-to-retire-older-planes-and-fix-supply-chains/
