63
In a heated exchange on Capitol Hill, Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz confronted U.S. Air Force Secretary about the alarming rate of non-operational F-35 fighter jets. Gaetz, representing the district including Eglin Air Force Base, criticized the Pentagon for what he perceives as excessive influence granted to defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, leading to inefficiencies and cost overruns at the expense of American taxpayers.
During the testimony, the Air Force Secretary acknowledged that less than a third of the F-35s produced by Lockheed Martin are currently operational. . .
