Why you cannot spend 20+ years fielding new technology.

You can only keep a secret for a limited amount of time. The F-22 took 20 + years to put in the field, and in that time everyone and their brother was aware of its capabilities and technology.

These projects need to be kept "in the black" and strategies like the F-35 where foreigners are permitted to participate in the design and development are like "giving away the store" !

Future contracts should be given to companies who can quickly and cost effectively put designs into service.

We cannot afford another F-22 / F-35 where we give every one of our enemies time to copy it.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/23/china-stealth-fighter-us-technology