Even know less total platforms will be built compared to the F-16 because the the aircraft basically more capable in general terms. I do believe because of it's stealth and range it will be used as a cross weapons platform and not purely in the attack form.
Lockheed Aims To Sell 500 F-35s In Asia Pacific
February 19, 2008: 12:14 AM EST
SINGAPORE -(Dow Jones)- Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) aims to sell about 500 F- 35 aircraft to governments in the Asia-Pacific region during the life of the stealth fighter's production program, an executive said Tuesday.
"I think 500 is about right, plus or minus 50," Vice President for F-35 Business Development George Standridge told Dow Jones Newswires at the Singapore Airshow.
He said Lockheed Martin is in talks with four likely buyers, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Singapore.
The F-35 program may last through the launch of the sixth generation fighter in 2035, Standridge said.
The sales target suggests revenue from the Asia-Pacific region exceeding $20 billion, as initial orders from the U.S. government were priced at $45 million per plane in 2002.
Australia, one of the participating countries, has already signaled an intent to buy 100 F-35s, but the contract has yet to be signed.
The potential sales come in addition to over 2,000 aircraft due for delivery by 2025 to the U.S. military and eight other countries participating in the F-35 program.
The U.S. Air Force is expected to take delivery of the first F-25 in 2010, with the U.K., another program partner, receiving the first international order in 2011.
Countries outside of the F-35 program may receive aircraft as early as 2014.
Lockheed will focus on countries that are positioned to upgrade to the "fifth generation" aircraft from models such as the F-16, F-18, or the Harrier.
"The F-35 is the logical step," Standridge said.
The Japanese government - a major potential buyer - is still weighing the option of buying F-22s against an order of F-35s.
Standridge said Japan is "very interested" in the F-22, but Lockheed will continue to seek a sale of F-35s.
"We have begun to talk to the Japanese about the F-35," he said. "We believe it must be considered."
link
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200802190014DOWJONESDJONLINE000004_FORTUNE5.htm
Lockheed Aims To Sell 500 F-35s In Asia Pacific
February 19, 2008: 12:14 AM EST
SINGAPORE -(Dow Jones)- Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) aims to sell about 500 F- 35 aircraft to governments in the Asia-Pacific region during the life of the stealth fighter's production program, an executive said Tuesday.
"I think 500 is about right, plus or minus 50," Vice President for F-35 Business Development George Standridge told Dow Jones Newswires at the Singapore Airshow.
He said Lockheed Martin is in talks with four likely buyers, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Singapore.
The F-35 program may last through the launch of the sixth generation fighter in 2035, Standridge said.
The sales target suggests revenue from the Asia-Pacific region exceeding $20 billion, as initial orders from the U.S. government were priced at $45 million per plane in 2002.
Australia, one of the participating countries, has already signaled an intent to buy 100 F-35s, but the contract has yet to be signed.
The potential sales come in addition to over 2,000 aircraft due for delivery by 2025 to the U.S. military and eight other countries participating in the F-35 program.
The U.S. Air Force is expected to take delivery of the first F-25 in 2010, with the U.K., another program partner, receiving the first international order in 2011.
Countries outside of the F-35 program may receive aircraft as early as 2014.
Lockheed will focus on countries that are positioned to upgrade to the "fifth generation" aircraft from models such as the F-16, F-18, or the Harrier.
"The F-35 is the logical step," Standridge said.
The Japanese government - a major potential buyer - is still weighing the option of buying F-22s against an order of F-35s.
Standridge said Japan is "very interested" in the F-22, but Lockheed will continue to seek a sale of F-35s.
"We have begun to talk to the Japanese about the F-35," he said. "We believe it must be considered."
link
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200802190014DOWJONESDJONLINE000004_FORTUNE5.htm
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