The Navy claims it is committed to the F-35C but this just isn't so. Not in the loving way at least. Aviation Week (subscription) reports the service has cut F-35C buys by one-third over FY2016-2020. Development of the AIM-9X Block III which was to give the Navy a longer-range air-to-air missile for the F-35C has been stopped. Meanwhile, over the same period, the U.S. Navy has put $777M for development of the AARGM-ER (extended-range variant) and LRASM air and sea launched cruise missile.
Analysis? The F-35C was never going to be survivable against emerging (and some existing) threats. Investing money in new missiles with long reach does show value. AARGM, like the HARM, can be fired from a Super Hornet. The Super Hornet is also scheduled to carry the LRASM (based on JASSM) if that development is successful.
The Navy looked at the AARGM and stated: "I like you if I can get more range out of the deal." LRASM is interesting. Many years ago the Navy ducked out of the JASSM for the Super Hornet ("J" being "joint") and decided SLAM-ER was good enough for awhile. LRASM takes JASSM technology and gives the Navy a follow on to the Tomahawk that is more versatile with launch platforms. It is developed by LM so it will probably be gold-plated.
The Navy decided that those long range strike missiles provided more value than a faulty aircraft and an air-to-air missile past its prime.
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