Page "government" Paragraph 571

Another example is the recent cancellation of the F-108, a long-range interceptor with a speed three times as great as the speed of sound, which was designed for use against manned bombers in the period of the mid-1960's.

The substantial progress being made in ballistic missile technology is rapidly shifting the main threat from manned bombers to missiles.

Considering the high cost of the F-108 system -- over $4 billion for the force that had been planned -- and the time period in which it would become operational, it was decided to stop further work on the project.

Meanwhile, other air defense forces are being made effective, as described later in this message.