Auditor: the cost of the British F-35 program has increased to 71 billion pounds

According to data provided by the National Audit Office (NAO), the cost of the British F-35 fighter program by 2069 could reach 71 billion pounds ($96.2 billion) over the next four decades. This is significantly higher than the initial estimates of just 18.76 billion pounds for the purchase of the first 48 aircraft.  

The main reason for this price increase is long-term operating costs, including maintenance, modernization and logistical support for the fleet of 138 aircraft, which is planned to be used until 2069. The auditor also notes that there are serious gaps in the management of the program by the British Ministry of Defense.  

Earlier it was reported that the purchase of the first 35 F-35B aircraft alone cost the UK $4.17 billion (£3.36 billion), and the cost of the F-35B program, taking into account the 48 aircraft and support already delivered, exceeded $12 billion.  

 The budget increase is due not only to rising prices for the aircraft themselves, but also to logistical problems, supply delays, and the need to modernize infrastructure to service the fifth generation of aircraft.  

In this regard, the NAO called on the Ministry of Defense to review approaches to project management in order to avoid further cost overruns and ensure the combat readiness of the F-35 fleet in the long term.