Serious analysts are now estimating the UK JSF programme at more than £11 Bn, and £6-7Bn for the ships. But it makes little difference if it's £14 Bn or £18 Bn.
The simple fact is that this is money that would be better spent on more important priorities.
Top of that list is remedying the shortfall in battlefield helicopters identified by the NAO in 2005, by fully restoring the original Future Rotorcraft Capability programme - and then some.
Next on the list are the FSTA tankers - even before the current credit crunch, it was clear that the PFI would benefit no-one except a Government desparate to keep borrowing off the books, and the successful bidder's shareholders. They need to be purchased properly, and in large numbers.
I'd also want a proper replacement for the PR9 and for Nimrod R1 (£1 Bn each?), and greater investment in SEAD. And you could do all of that for the cost of CVF and JSF, and still have money left over to ease the pressure on budgets and get away from the endless options and duck-nibbling!