The Pentagon has proposed a cumulative purchase of 450 F-35 within the next three years: a move that should bring down the cost of the fighters so as to make them attractive even for those foreign governments still hesitant to adopt the Lightning II.
The proposed acquisition of the Pentagon is based on an order that, in theory, would see the US as the largest user, followed by foreign countries. In reality, that order would show the solidity of the entire program and give it the boost needed for the serial production of all platform variants.
A number of countries are involved in the F-35 program, but Canada and Denmark, both partners in the JSF program, have not yet indicated how to acquire them. For years, the Canadian government has been looking for a platform that can replace CF-18 fighters. The only certain data is that all the options remain on the table. These options include an outright purchase of the F-35 or the search for one or more different platforms.
To ensure a safe and effective transition to the new weapon system, Canada has extended the operational life of the entire CF-18 fleet to the 2025.
Mass production of the first batch formed by 450 F-35 will begin within the 2018, even if Congress has not yet approved the acquisition plan. Lockheed Martin recently stated that by the 2015, the company will deliver more 45 aircraft. But American society is trying to lower prices. The total cost will not be able to decrease without a first and massive order that will sanction the start of serial production.
Canada is interested in the A-version of the F-35 which currently costs 108 million dollars. The F-35 is one of the biggest political concerns for the conservative government. Although the liberal government originally signed up for the JSF research and development program, conservatives have significantly expanded Canada's role and committed the government to buying the plane. But to address the disputes over the real cost of the F-35, the government tried to hide the true final price of the aircraft.
The Canadian National Defense Department originally claimed that the JSF program would have cost 14,7 billion dollars altogether. Digit then denied.
The full cost for the adoption of the F-35 platform (for 65 fighter) will cost Canada just under 29 billion.
Franco Iacch
(photo: Lockheed Martin)
