Aircraft
Cost Reductions Make F-35 a Winner in Europe
The acquisition cost now matches fourth-generation fighters, and operations plus sustainment costs are following, according to Lockheed Martin.
The first U.S. F-35As to be permanently stationed in Europe serve with the 48th Fighter Wing “Liberty Wing” at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, where they are replacing F-15 Eagles. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)
The first U.S. F-35As to be permanently stationed in Europe serve with the 48th Fighter Wing “Liberty Wing” at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, where they are replacing F-15 Eagles. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

The F-35 “is a European airplane,” according to J.R. McDonald, Lockheed Martin v-p for F-35 strategy and business development. At a briefing during the recent ILA Berlin airshow, he noted that 10 European countries now had chosen the stealth fighter and that the program generated “tens of thousands” of jobs in the region. Since he spoke, Greece has lodged a letter of request to buy 20 F-35s and possibly more later. The UK recently committed to a further 26, making a total of 74.