Lockheed Martin F-35
The US government has sanctioned $333.7 million for Lockheed Martin Corporation as down payment to purchase components and material for the eighth batch of F-35 combat jets. The decision came before any budget cut was implemented. The eighth batch of F-35 jets is a contract for a total of 35 machines and includes four aircraft for the UK and two for Norway. Cost estimates for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter have escalated to $395.7 billion, a 70-per cent increase since 2001. Pentagon officials have grown increasingly critical and are pressurising Lockheed Martin to reduce costs.
“This award provides our supplier base the stability needed to properly execute on our future production commitments,” the Maryland-based company said. “We will continue to drive down costs for these future aircraft.” Lockheed Martin is the world’s largest defence contractor. The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have a shared commitment to continued development of the costliest US weapon system.
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