The System Development and Demonstration contract was awarded on 26 October 2001 to Lockheed Martin.
Almost twenty years from “lets do this,” to operational deployment?
Yes, an incredible embarrassment.
The 8 F-35s scheduled for delivery at a cost of $200 Billion each will be a terrific addition to our defense capabilities.
AS you know, the F-35 is capable of taking down 2,640 enemy aircraft per each mission, needs very little maintenance, and has a range of 12,000 NM w/o refueling, and are "Green," as all get out with "0" impact on Global Warming. They are also easily flown by women, LGBTG, and minority pilots.
The F-35 is also a foreign sales success, as the Australians said they might buy one.
Y’all get ready for the F-35 homies to attack. You will be pilloried unmercifully.
Some people actually believe this POS is a good deal.
Unfortunately, the truth hurts.