It's a nonsense story by a sad old man, there are a number of statements and now this contract to show the sequester has little effect on the f-35
AFAIK these are the same numbers from around 2011/12 to allow the f-35 to mature. Here is the SAR that gives an idea of the build up
F-35 SAR | The DEW
"Aircraft break down seems as follows:
LRIP 6:
18 F-35A's for the USAF
6 F-35B's for the USMC
7 F-35C's for the USN
Plus 3 F-35's for Italy, and 2 for Australia
LRIP 7:
19 F-35's for the USAF
6 F-35B's for the USMC
4 F-35C's for the USN
Plus 3 F-35A's for Italy, 2 F-35A's for Norway, and 1 F-35B for the UK
The next lot will be LRIP Lot 8, 48 aircraft
19 F-35's for the USAF
6 F-35B's for the USMC
4 F-35C's for the USN
4 F-35B's for the UK
2 F-35A's for Norway
4 F-35A's for Italy
5 F-35A's for Israel
4 F-35A's for Japan"