• Gates plans to allow Lockheed 2 more years for F-35 glitches
  Defense Secretary Robert Gates plans to recommend that Lockheed Martin be given two more years to work on technical and manufacturing glitches on the F-35 fighter jet, defense officials say. In a private meeting earlier this month, Gates reportedly told Marine Corps Commandant James Amos of the decision to allow the two extra years, which would come in addition to an earlier 13-month extension. Bloomberg (12/7)