Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Pentagon: F-35 won't make show

The F-35 will not make its international debut at the Farnborough Air Show this week, the Pentagon said Tuesday afternoon. The announcement came hours after the Defense Department said the fleet, grounded after a June 23 runway fire at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., could fly again under restrictions. That raised hope the fighter might make a showing at Farnborough. But at an afternoon press conference, Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said the fighter jet would not make it overseas after all. The show was seen as an important showcase for the fighter, the Pentagon’s most expensive weapons program, which will rely heavily on foreign sales. (Source: Washington Post, 07/15/14)