F-35 News, This Week's Fiasco

Barely two months ago, F-35 boosters were thumping their chests as Japan announced plans to buy about 50 of the aircraft.  That "done deal", they argued, virtually ensured other prospective buyers would set aside their reservations and also take the leap.

Now it seems the Japanese are getting F-35-itis.   Japanese officials are warning the Americans that they're not interested in delays and cost overruns which may be the only two things the F-35 can deliver and in spades.

The comments from Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura come after Japan’s Sankei newspaper cited unidentified U.S. government officials as saying that Japan had threatened that it may even cancel its orders if prices climbed. Japan picked the F-35 as its next mainstay fighter in December, choosing it over combat-proven but less stealthy rivals.

 “When we were selecting the fighter, we asked those making the proposals to strictly observe their proposed prices and supply schedules. Japan has conveyed this to the U.S. from time to time,” Fujimura told a news conference.

It sounds like the Japanese are going to play hardball with the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin on both price and delivery.  They know, when it comes to the F-35, it's very much a buyer's market. 

Lockheed needs Japan more than the Japanese need the F-35.  If the Japanese walk it could turn into a stampede taking Australia and other prospective buyers with it.

So, if the Japanese can play hardball, why is Harper still stretched out over Lockheed's barrel with his pants down?  Just askin'