Milo,
The fact that LM and the DoD came to an agreement on LRIP5 and are litterally forcing LRIP6 through the pipeline to get it signed before the end of 2012 is in no way indicative of the succes or good evolution of the JSF program, between LM and the DoD there have never been more problems and ill feelings than exist today, mostly because of this JSF debacle.
However both of them fully realize that 2013 is comming and the Budget Control Act of 2011 will go into full effect which could have severe consequences all throughout the defense organization.
Everything they sign and get before january 1st 2013 is considered outside of the reach of this control act, if they would get away with it they would have signed all production lots, costs and consequences be damned.
Preparing for Sequestration and Budget Cuts - Government Contracts Issue Update - Wiley Rein LLP