An F35B test jet prepares to land on the amphibious assault ship USS WASP Oct. 6. The Marine Corps version of the plane is the most complex variant employing a lift-fan propulsion system. Lockheed
Lockheed’s F-35 Costs Rose 64% Over Decade In ‘Rich Man’s World’ -- Bloomberg
Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) won the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks when U.S. B-52 bombers were pummeling the Taliban and Pentagon spending was unleashed.
Ten years and $66 billion later, the aircraft is still in development, five years behind schedule and 64 percent over cost estimates. The Obama administration may cancel some models and also cut the Pentagon’s orders.
The plane, envisioned as the affordable stealth fighter for the U.S. and allies, has turned into a budget target.
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MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS
Afghanistan to see German troop drawdown -- The Local
Libya Ops Show Need For Lower-Cost Strike -- Aviation Week
Dozens of major flaws on Russia's newest submarine -- Barents Observer
Medvedev, Obama to discuss missile defense at APEC summit -- RIA Novosti
Venezuelan Navy Chases Off Nuclear Submarine -- Information Dissemination
Norway Should Maintain Submarine Fleet: Study -- Defense News
Four Chinese army deserters lead authorities on tragic manhunt -- L.A. Times
'Nigerian Taliban' threat prompts US military training -- The Guardian
Lockheed Martin Unveils Australian Cyber Lab -- Defense News
The IAEA's Iran Report: Assessment and Implications -- Defpro
US defence chief Panetta warns against Iran strike -- BBC
UCAVs Add Battlefield Mission Capabilities -- Aviation Week
Gator Navy Gets First Unmanned Vessel -- Aol Defense
Air Force Wants Ray Guns for ‘Weed Prevention’ -- Danger Room
Chopper Use in Vietnam Versus Afghanistan -- Defense Tech
At CIA, the glass ceiling shows its cracks -- Washington Post
Dempsey, Service Chiefs Oppose Guard Seat on Joint Chiefs -- US Department of Defense
USS Cole Suspect's Attorneys Poised to Put CIA Interrogation Program on Trial at Gitmo -- FOX News
Ringleader of US army "kill team" sentenced to life for murder of Afghans -- The Telegraph
Panetta: Families deserve apology for treatment of remains -- Stars and Stripes
$750M claim filed over Fort Hood mass shooting -- USA Today
Bataan Death March Survivor to Receive Purple Heart -- Military.com
Defense Spending and the Deficit Debate -- Jonathan Masters, Council on Foreign Relations
U.S. Army Counseling Troops on Returning to Civilian Life -- FOX News
Missing Limbs, More Suicides and Zero Jobs: 9 Battles for Today’s Vets -- Danger Room
At Arlington National Cemetery, mementos for latest war dead get more personal -- Washington Post
Obama to Watch College Basketball Game on Carrier that Buried Osama bin Laden -- FOX News
The meaning of U.S. Asian commitments -- Philip Ewing, DoD Buzz
Media vs. the military -- Washington Times editorial
For all the wars we have fought, Britain still has much to learn -- Fraser Nelson, The Telegraph