Opening Statements

Today, Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air And Land Forces, made the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, ahead of a joint hearing with the Subcommittee on Readiness titled "F-35 Program Update: Sustainment, Production, and Affordability Challenges."

"As the Chairman mentioned this hearing continues the committee's ongoing oversight and continuing review of the F-35 program.

"As Members of this committee we understand and recognize the importance of 5th generation capability as well as the need to grow additional 5th generation capacity in order to meet the objectives of the national defense strategy and maintain a credible deterrence posture.

"I was pleased to see the latest F-35 production contract award, the largest in the history of the Department of Defense, has resulted in significant lower unit recurring flyaway costs for the F-35, from $89.3 million per F-35A aircraft in the previous contract to $77.9 million for this contract award representing a 12.8 percent decrease. According to the Joint Program Office, this $34 billion agreement will see the delivery of 478 F-35 aircraft, which will almost double the size of the current F-35 fleet by 2022.

"However, given the size, scope, and complexity of the program and that the fleet size will nearly double over the next two years, this hearing provides a timely opportunity to update our Members on the challenges currently facing the program going forward to include what actions are being taken now to ensure long term affordability and drive down sustainment costs.

"I want to briefly run through a few issues that I expect the witnesses to cover today.

"Regarding Turkey's recent suspension and ultimate removal from the program I'm interested in receiving an update on the current posture of the F-35 industrial base, to include qualifying and ramping up alternative sources for the parts that were being produced by Turkey.

"I expect the witnesses to update us on the acquisition plan, cost estimates, and test strategy for the Block 4 modernization program. I understand next year's budget request will be the first production year for Block 4 aircraft and I'd like to know whether you are experiencing any challenges with the overall Block 4 development schedule and will these new aircraft result in higher unit costs.

"We were recently notified that the full rate production decision has been delayed by over a year and I'm interested in hearing what programmatic impacts this delay would have, if any, on the program's current acquisition strategy.

"Today's hearing is also a good opportunity to update us on some of the outcomes from the initial operational test and evaluation that is ongoing, specifically the challenges associated with developing the Joint Simulated Environment capability which is needed to realistically test 5th generation capability.

"And finally, I would appreciate the witnesses to the degree that they can in an open hearing address how they are approaching cyber security concerns and testing, specifically as it relates to the Autonomic Logistics Information System and the overall integrity of the supply chain.

"I want to thank all of our witnesses for being with us today and look forward to an open and candid discussion.

"Thank you Mr. Chairman and I yield back."