…..The cost estimates in the NDAA for the cheapest version of the F-35, the Air Force’s F-35A, are the following. (Note these costs as just for production and do not include R&D.)
“The 2014 procurement cost for 19 F-35As will be $2.989 billion. However, we need to add to that the “long lead” money for the 2014 buy that was appropriated in 2013; that was $293 million, making a total of $3.282 billion for 19 aircraft in 2014. The math for unit cost comes to $172.7 million for each aircraft.
To be fully accurate, however, we should add the additional procurement money authorized for “modification of aircraft” for F-35As for 2014; that means $158 million more, bringing the total unit production cost to $181 million per copy.
None of that includes the 2014 R&D bill for the F-35A; that was $816 million; calculate that in if you want; I choose not to” Wheeler added.
The Marine Corps and Navy versions are a little pricier.
For the Marines B, or STOVL, model, the authorized 2014 buy is six (6) aircraft for $1.267 billion in 2014 procurement, $106 million in 2013 long lead money, and $147 million in 2014 aircraft procurement modifications. That calculates to $252.3 million for each one, according to Wheeler.
http://defense-update.com/20140103_much-f-35-really-costs.html#.VgVQuPSjaM-
…Also in 2017 Israel will become the first international operator of the F-35A, when its first squadron is scheduled to become operational at the Israel Air Force (IAF) Nevatim Airbase. The first two F-35As are expected to land in Israel in December 2016. Other international air forces are scheduled to receive F-15s before Israel, but these are to remain in the USA for training. Israel has opted to train its pilots and technicians at home, and to deploy the new aircraft in Israel as soon as possible.
http://defense-update.com/20150614_f-35_international.html#.VgVN0PSjaM8
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