Tactical aircraft
Subtitle: DOD's ability to meet future requirements is uncertain, with key analyses needed to inform upcoming investment decisions : report to the Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives
Contributors: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Armed Services
Publisher: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Washington, D.C.]
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 75
Subjects: Planning; Evaluation; Fighter planes; Finance; Military planning; United States. Department of Defense; United States
Other titles: Tactical aircraft :; DOD's ability to meet future requirements is uncertain, with key analyses needed to inform upcoming investment decisions; Tactical aircraft recapitalization
Description: From 2011 through 2015, DOD plans to spend over $336 billion to operate, maintain, modernize, and recapitalize its tactical air forces. Since DOD projects tactical aircraft inventory shortfalls over the next 15 years, it must effectively balance resources between an increasingly expensive Joint Strike Fighter program and the need to keep its legacy aircraft viable. GAO was asked to assess DOD's tactical aircraft requirements, the extent to which plans for upgrading and retiring legacy aircraft and acquiring new aircraft are likely to meet the requirements, and how changes in strategic plans and threat assessments have affected requirements. GAO analyzed tactical aircraft requirement and inventory data, key plans and threat assessments. GAO suggests that Congress consider requiring that costs associated with modernizing and sustaining the legacy fleet be included in future investment plans, and recommends that DOD 1) better define requirements and the size and severity of projected shortfalls, 2) clearly articulate how systems like unmanned aircraft are accounted for, and 3) complete a comprehensive cost and benefit analysis of options for addressing expected shortfalls. DOD agreed with the second recommendation and partially agreed with the others, citing current and planned actions. GAO believes its recommendations remain valid.
Notes: Title from cover screen (viewed Aug. 9, 2010).

"July 2010."

"GAO-10-789."

Includes bibliographical references.

System requirements: Adobe Reader.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.