Preliminary Agreement Reached For Next Batch Of F-35 Jets

The Pentagon has reached an initial agreement with Lockheed Martin on the price for the next procurement of F-35 stealth fighters, reports Defense News.

The $34 billion deal would cover 478 aircraft over lots 12, 13 and 14, according to a statement from Pentagon acquisition chief Ellen Lord.

The agreement includes 157 jets in Lot 12 with an estimated 8.8 percent reduction in unit recurring flyaway costs compared to Lot 11. This would amount to about $81 million per F-35A compared...