B-2 Program Hurts U.S. More Than Any Enemy
The article “Stealth Bomber Plays a Key Role in U.S. Military Strategy” (Valley Commentary, Jan. 8), a sales pitch on why the Defense Department should continue the B-2 program, tries to justify the system by comparison with the F-117, a tactical weapon system, as opposed to the B-2 mission, which would be strategic. If this type of comparison would hold, the Air Force would need only one weapon system for all missions.
The article tries to present an argument for the cost-effectiveness of this system. Wars are won, to a good extent, on the victors’ ability to destroy the economy of the enemy. This suggests that the weapon system used must be capable of destroying targets worth many times that of the system. With the cost of the B-2 at somewhat over $500 million per aircraft, it would be difficult to find many targets worth the risk of the plane. This is particularly true for Third World wars that are the most likely for the design life of this system.
The B-2 program would bankrupt the United States before it would bankrupt any enemy.
SIDNEY I. BOCARSLY
Woodland Hills
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