
The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) has approved a fiscal year 2019 defense authorization bill that would trim purchases of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and Air Force KC-46A tankers, citing problems with both programs.According to an 11-page summary released late May 24, the bill would procure 75 Lockheed Martin [LMT] F-35s, cutting the Trump administration’s request by two jets “to realign the program towards sustainment.” The Air Force and Navy would each lose an F-35.The reduction is accompanied by increased funding for F-35 spares, modifications and…