CM and Td, I don't play silly games fudging numbers and misrepresenting facts. Unlike some, when I'm wrong I acknowledge it. There is plenty of blame in the program to go around the gov, pentagon, JPO and LM in the procurement. But it's the same with nearly every program in the US, some are even worse off. Also none of the eurocanards had an easy run either.
the cost in US$ for aus is 11.4b for the 72 or US$158m
when the 22 gripen for the swiss was 3.1 billion Swiss francs or US$140m
UPDATE 1-Sweden to buy 40-60 next generation Saab Gripen jets | Reuters
I hope you don't mind if I don't get into a doom and gloom hand wringing exercise, because I still see the f-35 as 'cheap' for what you get.