posted on Jan, 22 2020 @ 12:25 PM
The F-35 is so much more than a fighter bomber. It deserves its own unique classification and its capabilities are continuously advancing. Now that
the F-35A’s flyaway cost is $78 million, other nations must decide whether they want to procure it or conventional aircraft that often cost more.
For example, the Typhoon has a flyaway cost of $100 million. In 2013, the flyaway cost for the Rafale C (the single-seat, land-based variant), was a
little more than $76 million, so I assume it now costs at least as much as the F-35A. I’m not sure what the Gripen NG’s cost will be. Also, I
haven’t looked into the respective life cycle costs of the F-35A, Typhoon, Gripen NG or Rafale.