In response to president-elect Trump's tweet over "out of control costs", Lockheed Martin has officially responded:
"This is an amazing day for the Israeli people. It's exciting to bring this airplane and its capabilities to the country.
We welcome the opportunity to address any questions the president-elect has about the program. It's an amazing program. Lockheed Martin and its industry partners understand the importance of affordability for the F-35 program.
Since the beginning, we've invested hundreds of millions of dollars to reduce the price of the airplane more than 70%. We project the price of the aircraft will be $85 million in the 2019 -2020 timeframe. When we get to that price, the F-35 will be less expensive than any fourth-generation fighter in the world. And it will be the premiere fifth-generation fighter. That's an incredible value for anyone operating the airplane.
The cost doesn't just include the acquisition price. Lockheed Martin and its industry partners are also investing in reducing the sustainment costs of the aircraft recognizing that much of the cost of owning and operating an aircraft is after it's delivered. We're investing hundreds of millions of dollars to reduce the cost of sustaining the airplane over its 30-40 year lifespan. We understand the importance of affordability and that's what the F-35 has been about.
But more importantly, it's amazing technology. Whoever has it will have the most advanced air force in the world, and that's why we're building the F-35. It's important that the U.S. and our partners have this aircraft. It's a great value and we look forward to any questions the president-elect may have."
— Jeff Babione Executive Vice President and General Manager, F-35 Program Lockheed Martin Speaking from Nevatim Air Base prior to the Israeli Air Force F-35 Delivery Ceremony
Interesting that they start with the Israeli benefits... exciting, amazing, incredible, and amazing.
For now it's not helping the stock...