In the mix

As the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter development program matures, it is facing increasing scrutiny by government oversight organisations of partner and potential customer nations, and the ‘comentariat’ in those countries alike.

And while manufacturer Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon’s JSF Program Office (JPO), and US Defense Secretary Robert Gates continue to paint rosy pictures about schedule, cost and capability, they are finding fewer and fewer supporters amongst both specialist and mainstream media, various think tanks, and perhaps of most concern, current and recently former end users!