WASHINGTON — The Air Force's most advanced and expensive fighter jet is moving off the chopping block, at least temporarily.
The Pentagon plans to ask Congress next month to buy four additional F-22A Raptors beyond the current contract, officials said, backing away from an earlier decision to start phasing out production after this year.
Although Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England said the request does not mark a change in the Pentagon's long-term plans, others pointed out that it effectively forestalls a final decision by keeping the jet's manufacturing chain alive.
"They've basically left the door open," said John Pike, director of GlobalSecurity.org, a defense research group. "It is further indication that the decision may be reconsidered."
The Defense Department says its standing request for 183 F-22s meets U.S. needs.
It has faced intense pressure on Capitol Hill to order more. Lockheed Martin Corp. makes the aircraft, with work done in 44 states, including final assembly in Marietta, Ga. The Air Force also has pleaded for more of the jets, citing its unrivaled combination of supersonic speed, radar stealth and superior air-to-air combat maneuverability.
The demand has grown louder recently after the Pentagon grounded its aging fleet of F-15s over safety concerns.
In a letter to lawmakers this week, England reaffirmed the Pentagon's F-22 position, saying the military is moving toward the less-specialized F-35 fighter jet.
But, he said, "the department is planning to keep the F-22 production line open" by requesting more planes this year to replace "war-related losses" of other aircraft.
Despite the reprieve, Republican Rep. Phil Gingrey, who represents the Georgia district where the F-22 is assembled, criticized the letter, saying it is not the clear signal to continue production that Congress and the Air Force want.
"How long does it keep the flight line open? One year? Three months?" he said. "I just respectfully disagree with Secretary England in the strongest terms. Hopefully the Air Force can convince them."
F-22s cost $160 million apiece, and almost $350 million when research and testing expenses are included.
Last year, Congress signed off on purchasing the last batch of 60 F-22s under the existing plan for 183 planes. Lockheed Martin is slated to deliver the final units in 2011. The company says the supply chain would begin gradually shutting down later this year without more orders.
Restarting production would dramatically increase costs.
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