If critics of the program are looking for explanations for overruns, they need look no further than Congress for a large part of the answer. In addition to inaccurately arguing the program is mismanaged, some critics charge that the F-22 carries an overall price tag that is too high even without overruns. This is not the case either. Since the plane has been under development since 1991, much of this money has already been spent. In real world terms, this would be the equivalent of agreeing to purchase a top of the line Cadillac, making years of payments on it, and then trading it in for a loss on a used Yugo when you get close to paying it off.
Air superiority is the foundation of practically every American battle plan on the books.
When you consider the importance of its task, the portion of the defense budget we are committing to it is quite small. I have no doubt that purchasing more F-22's would substantially narrow the cost gap between the two aircraft. Of course, it goes without saying that attempts by Congress to lower overall procurement below the Air Force request would further widen the gap between the two programs. Remember, at least four other aircraft in development around the world will equal or exceed the capabilities of the F-15, which is approaching 25 years of age. Factoring in upgrade costs to keep the F-15 competitive, the gap between the two programs shrinks to nothing.