Lockheed advances F-35 contract talks with Japan, Israel

Flight Global ^ | 3/14/2012 | Craig Hoyle

[U-238]

Lockheed Martin expects to advance its F-35 deals with Japan and Israel within the next few months, leading to combined orders for more than 60 Joint Strike Fighters.

Earlier this month, company officials visited Japan to discuss the nation's planned F-X purchase of 42 F-35As, following a competitive selection made last December.

Tokyo is expected to approve a letter of agreement for the deal in March, with this document likely to be signed in June, says Stephen O'Bryan, Lockheed vice-president F-35 programme integration and business development.

Dismissing Japanese media reports raising concerns over a possible increase in the F-35's unit price, linked to a slowdown in the USA's procurement rate for the type, O'Bryan says: "We remain firm on price."

[diogenes ghost]

Maybe if we threw in a few Volts they would be more receptive.

[U-238]

It looks like this deal is done. As long other nations continue to meet their purchase quota the plane the costs might stabilize.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks U-238.

Dismissing Japanese media reports raising concerns over a possible increase in the F-35's unit price, linked to a slowdown in the USA's procurement rate for the type, O'Bryan says: "We remain firm on price."

[diogenes ghost]

Ummmm....like Italy?

[U-238]

The cut that Italy is planning is 30 percent. As long as they buy the plane its OK.Its better than cancelling the order. They still planning to buy planes.

[U-238]

The cut that Italy is planning is 30 percent. As long as they buy the plane its OK.Its better than cancelling the order. They still planning to buy planes.