notkent wrote:Or it could be that LM has more money and a better chance of winning.
Don't think that what was brought to the demo reflects anything in real life.
The real world is an interesting place and what, at first glance seems like an issue, actually isn't.
This is just spitballing, but the F-35A uses different ground support equipment than the F-18C/D, unlike the F-18E/F/G. So outside of the few pieces of equipment unique to the Super Dupers, Boeing didn't have to bring anything since the Finns already had it. Lockheed on the other hand had to bring everything from bomb loading trays for the internal bomb bays to 270VDC power for the F-35A.
And while this seems to be a favorable thing for the Boeing Jet, it actually isn't because no one in Europe, outside of the Swiss and Spaniards, is going to have any of that equipment and it is only a matter of time before the other F-18C countries get rid of their F-18s as well, most likely not upgrading to F-18E/Fs. But numerous nations, like Denmark, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Italy, etc. will have F-35A ground support equipment. So when the Finns go somewhere else, they won't need a huge logistical tail to support their aircraft.
So initially the Finns will have an easier time, and support equipment will br cheaper, but it will get progressively worse over time while it will only get easier with the F-35A.