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Australia considering reducing JSF order

January 6, 2006 (by Jeff Hollenbeck) - In what seems a never ending trend, another new military aircraft may see fewer numbers produced due to rising costs. While Australia has indicated that it would purchase 100 new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to replace its F/A-18 and F-111 jets, higher prices may force the Australian government to reduce thier order by up to half.
The per-aircraft cost of the JSF at the start of the program was originally $45 million Australian, that cost has grown to $60 million and is expected to rise in the future. One reason for the expected price increases is the expected reduction in production orders from the U.S. government. Fewer aircraft purchased drives up the per-aircraft cost as development costs remain the same.

Australia is said to be considering Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs) to bridge the gap between the number of F-35s ultimately purchased and what is actually needed to fill defense requirements. The first JSF is scheduled for delivery to Australia in 2014.


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