IAM Petitions for Additional F-35s

What the letter says 

"We are specifically requesting support for the President’s budget request and any service unfunded requirements to incrementally fund a production ramp toward full rate production. We are also requesting additional funding for modernization, spare parts and spare engines for increased readiness, and propulsion growth.

Rapidly advancing threats require accelerating procurement of the F-35, the only 5th Generation stealth fighter in production. 5th Generation fighters combine capabilities and characteristics that cannot be replicated by other platforms, providing lethality, situational awareness, the denial of enemy situational awareness, and connectivity fused on a survivable aircraft that thrives in the forward line of combat." 

Click here to read the full letter.

By the numbers

The F-35 program supports the U.S. economy through: 

• 1,650 domestic suppliers in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico,
• 214,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country
• $72 billion annual economic impact

The F-35 helps secure our world. The program unites valued allies and partners, powers small businesses, and creates high-paying, high-tech jobs for workers in the innovation economy.