Just highlighting an interesting point in the link.
Maybe they are starting to realize that their financial numbers
where nothing more than pipedreams.
The Harper government says the $9 billion it intends to spend on 65 of the jets is carved in stone. But the government won't see a firm price until it gets close to first delivery, which is nominally expected in 2016.
The cost for 20 years' of in-service support remains a matter of debate, with the air force insisting it will only run in the neighbourhood of an additional $7 billion — a figure the Parliamentary Budget Officer disputes.
Even Pentagon estimates suggest the maintenance bill could run between US$14 billion and US$19 billion.
and
US Air Force sees delay in operational use of the F-35 fighter jet ~ Terminal X
The U.S. Air Force expects to start operational use of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter later than its previous target of 2016, given the Pentagon's plan to slow down production and allow more time for development, a top general said.
"It will move to the right," Lieutenant General Herbert Carlisle, deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements, told a conference hosted by Credit Suisse and defense consultant Jim McAleese.
Carlisle said the new radar-evading warplane built by Lockheed Martin Corp would reach "initial operational capability" only after achieving certain milestones, including software development, operational test and establishment of a crew of maintainers, Reuters reports.
Air Force officials now expected those milestones to be achieved "later in the decade"
All this makes one wonder how the Canadians can maintain their idea that a
purchase price of 9billion for 65 frames can be set in stone?
I cannot spell therefor I edit.