Quantcast

F-35 Lightning II: balancing costs with advanced capabilities

Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
F-35 Lightning II: balancing costs with advanced capabilities
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

Despite ongoing criticisms, the F-35 Lightning II remains a highly advanced tactical fighter jet with competitive pricing when considering flyaway costs. Contrary to sensational headlines suggesting the jet's $2 trillion lifetime cost is excessive, its current price is more affordable than many fourth-generation fighters.

Reports indicate that new F-35s have been priced at $82.5 million for the F-35A variant, $109 million for the F-35B variant, and $102.1 million for the F-35C variant. These figures are lower than China's J-20 Mighty Dragon's estimated cost of $110 million and less than European fighters like the Dassault Rafale and Typhoon Eurofighter, which can reach up to $125 million and $124 million respectively.

The Saab Gripen's price ranges between $60-$85 million, while other U.S. jets like the F/A-18 Super Hornets and legacy F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 70 are cheaper options compared to the F-35.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The Israeli Air Force has reported successful operations using the F-35 against Iranian defenses without losses, highlighting its capabilities in contested airspace. Despite some concerns over readiness rates due to infrastructure and training challenges as noted by a Government Accountability Report, if these issues were resolved, readiness could match or surpass other U.S. fighters.

Professor Justin Bronks remarked on air forces opting for the F-35 after direct assessments against competitors: "Despite its higher operating costs, every single air force that has been allowed to assess the F-35 directly against its European and US competitors has ultimately opted for the F-35—the operational capability in contested airspace is simply in a different class."

With continued investments such as Block 4 upgrades planned for enhanced capabilities, questions remain about why more countries do not purchase it. The limited number of potential buyers reflects geopolitical considerations; purchasing requires being a close ally of the United States or part of NATO.

Current leading fleet sizes include 1,763 units with the United States Air Force and smaller numbers across allied nations like Japan and Australia.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Air New Zealand is set to expand its fleet with the arrival of two new A321neo aircraft, each covering a distance of 19,342 kilometers from the Airbus facility in Hamburg to Auckland.

Jun 3, 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Diversity & Inclusion Awards.

Jun 2, 2025

Alaska Airlines is offering its Mileage Plan members the opportunity to explore global culinary destinations with significant discounts on award tickets.

Jun 2, 2025

Emirates is offering a complimentary ice cream experience for travelers at Dubai International Airport during the busy summer travel season.

Jun 2, 2025

Emirates is set to resume flights to Damascus starting on July 16, 2025.

Jun 2, 2025

Nashville, USA, 2 June 2025 – dnata has entered into a multi-year agreement with Aer Lingus at Nashville International Airport (BNA).

Jun 2, 2025