Lockheed Martin Corp.’s aircraft and
missile programs, including the F/A-22 and Joint Strike Fighter,
get increased funding in President George W. Bush’s proposed
budget for fiscal 2005, according to budget documents.
The Pentagon wants $4.15 billion to buy 24 F/A-22s, $43
million and two fighters more than this year. Spending on the C-
130J transport and its Marine Corp aerial refueling model would
increase to $1.4 billion for 16 transports from $734.5 million
and five aircraft this year.
Lockheed, Boeing Co. and other U.S. defense contractors are
benefiting from six straight years of increases in defense
spending that accelerated under Bush after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Pentagon Comptroller Dov Zakheim said he’s been assured defense
spending won’t be affected by Bush’s vow to halve the deficit.
Bloomberg News
