Cost of F-35s to increase nearly 10% after Turkey’s suspension

Business, World
Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) Daily Sabah | James Alexander Michie

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning is a family of a single seat, single-engine, all weather conditions, stealth, fifth-generation, multi-purpose fighter, designed for ground attack and air superiority missions. It is built by Lockheed Martin and many subcontractors, including Northrop Grumman, Pratt & Whitney and BAE Systems.

It should be noted that on Thursday, the head of the Defense Industries Presidency (SSB) indicated that the cost of F-35 aircraft will increase by almost 10% after the decision of the United States to suspend Ankara from the aircraft program. of combat.

For its part, on Wednesday, the United States indicated that it was withdrawing Turkey from the F-35 aircraft program for its purchase of the Russian S-400 defense systems. Ankara had ordered more than 100 poachers and Turkish defense companies were also involved in the construction of aircraft, manufacturing some of the critical components for the aircraft.

Additional cost

For his part, Ismail Demir, speaking to reporters in Ankara, indicated that other countries involved in the F-35 program will face an additional cost of $ 7–8 million per plane and delays in deliveries as a result of the measure.

In addition, he added that Turkish companies will evaluate how to compensate their losses for the elimination of Turkey. Even so, he added that recent improvements in the industry will pay off and the sector will emerge stronger as a result.

Added to this, Demir also said that the United States was being careful with its wording, opting to use “suspension” instead of “expulsion” since the latter could have a different set of contractual implications.

Thus, he accurately stated, “So far, we fulfilled all our payments and duties in F-35 program. It is a one-sided decision not included in any agreement. We are waiting for the decision to be formalized”

“Our national fighter jet program is proceeding without any problems. The project will be expedited”, he said.

“All options are on the table”.

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Source: Daily Sabah

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