“Heard the cost was comparable”??? Don’t know where that came from. The Chinese never disclose that kind of information. When you consider they probably stole most of the design and have very low Production costs, the idea that their cost would be comparable is wishful thinking is not ludicrous. That’s like saying the cost of maintaining and equipping one Chinese Soldier is comparable to maintaining and equipping one of ours. They also build Submarines and other ships for a fraction of the cost of ours. Our Bid, R&D and Production costs are so ridiculously high that any comparison with the Chinese would be fantasy. Take it from me, I used to be in that “Racket”.
Yeah, I hear you. But if the production run is very small (or not disclosed) I would imagine the cost per unit will be far higher, so it didn’t strike me the same way it did you..I would defer to you on this, though.
Our Bid, R&D and Production costs are so ridiculously high thanks to the candy covered rules written by our legislators. We must keep our weapons companies executives fully satisfied, after all they will need to retire someday and we don’t want them living like paupers, do we?