It doesn't even seem to start with the politicians...it's as though the Chiefs of all the services are under the control of a Futurama-style brain-slug named "Lockheed-Martin."

They chant in Borg-like unison: "We.......need....F.......35...."

The politicians just go along with it because parts are built in so many Congressional districts.

What I can't figure out us why the Army isn't protesting---loudly---since CAS capability is about zero.

Unless the Army wants it to fail, so they can argue for their own indigenous CAS platform.

Besides the huge financial burden this atrocity brings, the real tragedy will be the American and Allied troops lost in CAS against non-state insurgents.