[El Gato]

Just a well (but late) timed PR move to try to save the F-35 from being gobbled up in the push for additional F-22s.

Both aircraft are primarily Lockheed designed and built, I don't think even LockMart would sabotage it's own program. OTOH, it's a big company, internal divisions are all too likely.

Unless you mean the F-35 SPO vs. the F-22 SPO. That's entirely possible as well.

[Pukin Dog]

If you had a single production line, where you could see the end of the road, and are hoping to hell that the Pentagon does not cancel your opportunity to start a whole new one, you might toss a few cow chips at your current money pit, in favor of your potential brand new money pit.