Fuzzy F-35 JPO cost numbers; Farnborough appearance planned

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the F-35 would make its first air show appearance at Farnborough Air Show. The aircraft will first appear at the Leeuwarden Air Show in the Netherlands in June.

Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, chief of the F-35 joint program office told the Senate Armed Services Committee today that the JPO budget covers 2,590 civilians at an annual cost of $70 million, though committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) said it was his understanding that the number of civilians is closer to 3,000 at an annual cost of $300 million.

McCain, however, did not explore the numerical differences, instead saying he was alarmed at the high cost of the JPO, regardless of the differing sums.

In his opening statement, McCain said "the F-35 program’s record of performance has been both a scandal and a tragedy with respect to cost, schedule, and performance. And it's a textbook example of why this committee has placed such a high priority on reforming the broken defense acquisition system."

Meanwhile, Bogdan told the committee he was confident the F-35 would participate in the Farnborough International Air Show in the United Kingdom from July 11 to July 16. Prior to that, the F-35 is expected to fly at the Leeuwarden Air Show in the Netherlands in June, marking its first-ever airshow appearance.

He noted that five F-35s would go to Farnborough -- two A models and three B models, one of which will be configured for the U.K. military.

The ongoing hearing can be viewed live here.