WORLD: Weapons

Jan. 26, 2024
WORLD: Weapons: Sentinel 37% Over Cost; USAF orders 1,500 SDBs; WC-135 Nuke Sniffer Upgrade.
After protracted political uncertainty, Canada, an original partner in the F-35 developmental program, has formally agreed to buy 88 of the fighters in a deal worth $15 billion U.S. The first aircraft will be delivered in 2026, with full operational capability between 2032 and 2034.
Chronically high operating costs might be tamed with a new deal. A new sustainment contract between the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and Lockheed Martin, inked in September, will give the company a chance to bring down operating costs over the next three years.