The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report criticizing the Air Force’s plan to divest 32 Block 20 F-22 Raptor aircraft. The GAO cites a lack of sufficient data and analysis to support the decision.
The Air Force’s stated goal for divestment is to free up funds for the development of next-generation aircraft. However, the GAO’s report identifies several shortcomings in the Air Force’s justification.
Firstly, the report criticizes the Air Force for not adequately considering the impact on training and testing activities. Block 20 F-22s currently serve this role, and the Air Force has not presented a plan for how these activities would be conducted without them.
Secondly, the GAO questions the cost savings the Air Force anticipates. While divestment eliminates operational costs for the Block 20s, the GAO suggests the need to increase operations of the remaining Block 30/35 F-22s to compensate, potentially negating some of the savings.
Finally, the report criticizes the Air Force for not fully exploring the option of upgrading the Block 20s to the Block 30/35 configuration. While the Air Force obtained some upgrade cost estimates, the GAO deems this information insufficient for a well-informed decision.
The GAO recommends that Congress require the Air Force to provide more comprehensive data and analysis before divesting aircraft in the future. Additionally, they recommend the Air Force develop standardized guidance for documenting divestment and upgrade options.
The Air Force has not agreed to either recommendation, but the GAO maintains the validity of their findings.
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