The Cost of an F-35B: The Complex Reality Behind Pricing

When it comes to the cost of an F-35B jet, it's not a straightforward answer. The pricing for the F-35B has been a subject of significant debate and confusion throughout its production lifecycle. Recent information from Lockheed Martin suggests reduced prices for the latest production blocks, reflecting more matured processes with greater production numbers and experience. However, it's crucial to understand the nuances and factors that contribute to the overall cost of this advanced aircraft.

Historical Pricing and Production Challenges

Lockheed Martin has faced considerable criticism for their handling of F-35 pricing. The company has been accused of dishonest behavior to maintain their association with the program, particularly during periods of massive delays and price hikes. Despite repeated failures to meet set dates and performance characteristics, they lobbied to reduce performance requirements. This approach has led to a complex pricing structure that cannot be easily dissected.

The primary reason for the confusion lies in the fact that there is no "off-the-shelf" price for the F-35B. Service contracts, maintenance agreements, and various other costs are intricately tied to the purchase. This means that the total cost of acquiring an F-35B, which includes the jet itself, support infrastructure, and sustainment over time, is highly specific to the individual procurement scenario.

Rough Estimate of Pricing

To get a rough idea of the F-35B's cost, one needs to consider the purchase price of a group of these jets and factor in mandatory costs over time. The price from Lockheed Martin alone is not a reliable indicator due to the aforementioned complexities. Here’s a simplified example to illustrate how to estimate the cost:

Total purchase price: For a group of 20 F-35Bs, the total purchase price could be around $4,200 million, which translates to $210 million per jet. Mandatory costs over time: These costs include support infrastructure, maintenance, and upgrades, all of which can significantly impact the overall cost. For instance, each jet could require an additional $150 million in support and maintenance over its operational life. Dividing the total cost: By dividing the total cost (purchase price mandatory costs) by the number of jets, we can get an estimated cost per F-35B. In this example, the estimated cost per F-35B would be around $360 million.

It's important to note that these figures are rough estimates and actual costs can vary widely depending on the specific procurement scenario, operational needs, and additional requirements.

Current Pricing and Upkeep

As of June 2019, the cost of a single F-35B is estimated to be around $115.5 million. This figure includes the purchase price but does not account for all the additional costs mentioned earlier. The actual cost is likely to be higher when all factors are considered.

The data provided by Lockheed Martin for the F-35 Fast Facts document from June 2019 can be a useful reference for current pricing and production figures. However, it's essential to consult multiple sources and consider the evolving nature of the program to get a comprehensive understanding of the F-35B cost.

Conclusion

The cost of an F-35B is highly complex and cannot be reduced to a single figure. Factors such as production costs, support infrastructure, and maintenance all play significant roles. While the current estimated cost is around $115.5 million, the true cost can fluctuate based on various procurement and operational requirements. Understanding the full scope of these costs is crucial for anyone involved in F-35B acquisition and deployment.

Learn more about the F-35 program from Lockheed Martin.