First of all, before anyone bites my head off, I'll admit that my knowledge of the F-35 is no more than passing, and I can't be bothered to read 2100 odd posts.....
Having said that, regarding Gen Bogdan comments quoted in post 2084, specifically:
"Adding partners can help bring down costs,........., which could lead to a boost in orders that will force down unit costs in future...."
I thought that F-35 production for the US alone was originally in the region of 2,500. An order of say 30 JSF for Singapore and 60 for South Korea therefore represents an overall increase in sales of less than 4%!!
While no doubt having two more nations buy the aircraft adds to its prestige and reputation, I don't see how an increase in production of less 4% will produce any significant ecnomies of scale and reduce unit costs??? Let alone any requirement for offsets, setting up local production lines, etc - good for the host nation, but no doubt adding to overall costs!!
Last edited by Biggus; 27th Apr 2013 at 11:04.