More changes are likely afoot.

Bogdan ran a lean operation on the tanker program, priding himself on having the smallest staff of any major acquisition program, and he has already spoken with reporters about shedding excess baggage in the much larger F-35 program office.

Bogdan must also establish good ties with the international partners, some of whom have grown frustrated by Washington’s repeated moves to slow its own production orders since that slowed progress in driving down the cost per airplane.

“He’s going to have to be a very astute politician because of all the emotions and sensitivities that surround the program in this country,” said the second former official. “Just as important is going to be talking to the international partners and keeping them informed.”

Bill Greenwalt, a former Pentagon official who now works for the Aerospace Industries Association, said Bogdan would be a great asset for the F-35 program, despite his blunt talk.

“He’s incredibly sharp, not afraid to speak the truth. He’s not going to shoot first and ask questions later. He’s going to ask a lot of questions and make the best decisions he can.”