F-35 acquisition costs rise $51B to $536B

Macro Impact 4
โดย Seeking Alpha·US·Read original
Summary · why it matters

The projected cost of acquiring the Pentagon's F-35 fighter fleet has risen by about $51 billion since late 2023, bringing the total to approximately $536 billion, a 10% increase from $485 billion, according to a government report and the F-35 program office. The increase includes roughly $32 billion for aircraft and engine procurement and $19 billion for research and development, and reflects a shift by the Marine Corps from some F-35B jets to the more expensive carrier-based F-35C. As of late July, 872 of the 2,470 aircraft planned for the U.S. military had been delivered. The cost increase underscores the program's importance to Lockheed Martin, which builds the aircraft, and major suppliers including RTX's Pratt & Whitney and Northrop Grumman. Another $900 million was added after reassessing the Block 4 modernization package, which is years behind schedule. The $536 billion figure covers acquisition and is separate from an estimated $1.5 trillion in operating and support expenses, putting the F-35's total cost near $2 trillion over roughly 90 years.

Impact on stocks 3

Defense & Geopolitical Fragmentation▼ · 3 stocks
Lockheed Martin Corporation
LMT
▼ NegativeCapitalrelevance

F-35 acquisition costs rise $51B, increasing program cost and potential budget pressure on Lockheed Martin.

RTX Corporation
RTX
▼ NegativeCapitalrelevance

Cost increase for F-35 program may affect RTX's Pratt & Whitney as a major supplier.

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