John Bennett writes Smith has urged his colleagues to approve Pentagonâs proposed weapon program reductions, including the A-10 aircraft retirement, in a move to free up money for other technology purchases.
âIf we donât accept some cuts, we will put ourselves in an untenable situation ⦠down the road,â Smith told reporters on Capitol Hill.
Smith estimates the cost of keeping the A-10 to reach nearly $3.5 billion beyond fiscal 2015, the report says.
Smith added that HASC is seeking $700 million to refuel an aircraft carrier and maintain the Navy’s carrier fleet at 11 ships.