The F-35A Lightning II is known as the world’s most expensive fighter jet, costing approximately $82.5 million per aircraft, with the engine alone costing approximately $20.4 million. The life cycle cost of the F-35 program is estimated to be approximately $2 trillion. But it is also important to take into account that this model is not only technologically advanced, but is also designed to combine the capabilities of multiple fighter jets (all dedicated to specific missions) into one, all in stealth mode. It effectively replaces a variety of aging fighter types that have been retired or are about to be retired, including F-16s, F/A-18C/Ds, AV-8B Harriers, F-15s, Tornados, and others. But perhaps more interestingly, Finland recently took delivery of the expensive fighter jet at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas, production facility. This is part of an upcoming program of 64 jets that will begin receiving physical deliveries in 2026.
This is happening because the next generation of warfare is brewing, involving hydrogen-powered stealth tanks or tanks with hybrid powertrains, like the new M1E3 Abrams, as well as “fifth-generation” combat submarines. Modern warfare will be very advanced and fought with technologically advanced weapons – not unlike the new Lockheed Martin F-35A and F-35B fighter jets.
Finland’s decision to purchase the new F-35A underscores its mission to improve its air combat capabilities, replace its aging fleet and adapt its overall defense mix to the new global direction of modern warfare. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said in a Lockheed Martin news update that Finland “is investing heavily in national industrial capabilities through industrial participation” and that the move will benefit “the F-35 program not only locally, but also globally.” As part of NATO, Finland is one of 20 allies, 13 of which are in Europe, planning to produce the new aircraft. The first aircraft will arrive in Finland in 2026 and will enter service shortly after.
Read more: What actually happens when a submarine implodes?
Why is Lockheed Martin’s F-35A so expensive?
An F-35A Lightning II is grounded and ready for takeoff. – wz94/Shutterstock
While the F-35A Lightning II is an advanced jet packed with state-of-the-art technology — and the cost of production that comes with it — that’s not the only reason it’s so expensive. It’s true: The jet features advanced stealth capabilities, next-generation avionics and innovative sensors, all designed to significantly improve the pricey aircraft’s survivability and readiness. However, operating an aircraft is also costly: aircraft require software that requires regular maintenance and updates, and hardware that requires regular maintenance. The Department of Defense estimates that maintenance costs alone will total approximately $1.6 trillion over the lifetime of the aircraft. Not to mention, the F-35A program has been around since 2001, with a growing budget and a long history of development.
The aircraft also comes in three variants, including the F-35A Lightning II for conventional landings and takeoffs; the F-35B for short takeoffs and vertical landings like the Harrier; and the carrier-based F-35C model. The three types are also customized for different military branches and their specific needs. Specializing in various configurations can be more expensive than producing a single model of aircraft.
Currently, there are more than 1,200 F-35s in operation around the world, with the entire fleet’s total flight time well in excess of 1 million hours. It will be interesting to see if there are any improvements in the automation or artificial intelligence systems of the new generation of jets. The U.S. Air Force has used artificial intelligence to fly fighter jets in the past, and the new technology brings new capabilities.
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