The Swiss government has decided to reduce its purchase of F-35 fighter jets from the originally planned 36 due to cost overruns announced by the U.S. The budget is capped at CHF6 billion, and the government cannot secure additional funding. The defense ministry will present its prioritized requirements by the end of January, after which a decision on potentially purchasing more jets to reach the original quantity will be made, possibly requiring parliamentary and popular approval. The government also aims to strengthen air defense in the medium term, with plans to have 55 to 70 modern fighter aircraft.
Read More
Converting a Qatari-owned 747 into a new Air Force One would cost over $1 billion, take years, and necessitate installing numerous top-secret systems. Refurbishing the 13-year-old aircraft would exceed its current value, incurring substantial taxpayer expense. This project is considered impractical given Boeing’s ongoing efforts to replace the current Air Force One fleet, and the significant security and logistical challenges involved in modifying the Qatari jet. The project timeline might extend beyond Trump’s 2029 term, potentially requiring subsequent equipment removal.
Read More
The president criticized the aircraft carriers’ magnetic elevator system, claiming it’s a flawed “new theory” resulting in billions of dollars in cost overruns. He erroneously asserted that the magnets are ineffective, despite the elevators’ function, echoing prior unsubstantiated claims about magnets and water. These comments follow a pattern of repeating unfounded criticisms, even those demonstrably inaccurate. Project delays and budget overruns are acknowledged, but the link to the elevator system’s functionality is unsubstantiated.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker