The Shrinking Demand for F-35s

Published: Oct 15, 2005
Source: www.strategypage.com



The F-35 (formerly JSF, or Joint Strike Fighter) has seen it’s development costs go from $19 billion to $26 billion in the last five years. That’s not as disastrous as it sounds, for there are still plans to produce some 1800 F-35s (for American and allied air forces.) Back in 2001, there were plans to produce close to 3,000 F-35s, but times have changed, and not as many are needed. For a modern, stealthy aircraft, the F-35 is not all that expensive. Not counting the development costs, each aircraft will cost between $35 million and $50 million. That’s pretty reasonable these days. Back in 2001, the development costs would add maybe $7 million to the cost of each aircraft. But now, that “R&D” (research and development) surcharge has doubled. continue..