Aircraft
Affordability Still A Major Issue for the F-35 Program
A multi-year buy could ease the trend in the US, UK and elsewhere to reduce numbers and stretch out production.
F-35 program chief Gen. Chris Bogdan is pressing for a multi-year buy, to reduce the production cost. (Photo: Chris Pocock)
F-35 program chief Gen. Chris Bogdan is pressing for a multi-year buy, to reduce the production cost. (Photo: Chris Pocock)

Affordability remains a major concern for most of 13 nations that have invested in the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter. The Pentagon is pressing the case for a multi-year buy to reduce unit costs, while also exploring delayed procurement. The UK is the latest country to defer buying F-35s.