The F-35 (Joint Strike Fighter) project: progress and issues for Australia

In response to the need for new aircraft to replace the ageing F/A-18 and F-111, the Australian government foreshadowed the purchase of about 100 new aircraft to be in service in 2012. Since then, the estimated cost of the purchase has increased from about $10.5 billion to between $12 billion and $15.5 billion. Alex Tewes summarises the debate about the role and appropriateness of the project.