F‑35’s Low Purchase Price Masks Higher Operating Costs, Simple Flying Reports

Lockheed Martin touts the F‑35 family’s surprisingly low flyaway price, but Simple Flying’s latest analysis reminds readers that purchase cost is only one piece of the puzzle. The article compares the hourly operating expenses of the F‑35 and the older F‑22, finding that the newer fighter’s running costs are higher and that it requires an extensive, specialized support infrastructure. While the F‑35A can be cheaper to buy than jets like the F‑15EX or Rafale, the article stresses that the long‑term financial burden is significant. For defense planners, understanding these hidden costs is crucial when weighing procurement options and budgeting for future air‑force capabilities.