The most expensive fighter jet in history has risen in price by another $26 billion – the F-35 Lightning II program is now estimated at $438 billion
The program for the fifth generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jet has risen in price again. This is stated in the report of the US Department of Defense.
Over the year, the cost of the F-35 Lightning II program increased by $26 billion and now stands at $438 billion. Due to the constant growth, the 6.5% rise in price is no longer perceived as something out of the ordinary.
Lockheed Martin was awarded the contract in 2001. 22 years ago, the F-35 Lightning II program was estimated at $233 billion. Since then, the cost has almost doubled, and this is not the limit. It is believed that $1.7 trillion will be spent on the production, support, modernization and maintenance of the fighter fleet over the entire life cycle.
The cost data in the new report was obtained after adjusting for inflation. Adjustments to the production plans of the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps were also taken into account. In the new estimate, the number of aircraft remained unchanged: 2,456 production models for the United States and 14 experimental fighters.
The increase in spending by $26 billion is in line with NASA’s budget request and the assistance allocated to Ukraine under the USAI (Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative) program. The cost of the F-35 Lightning II has also increased with inflation. Last year, it was estimated at $166 million, and now it is $179 million.
