Lockheed Martin spoke about the role of trump in the negotiations on F-35 – RIA Novosti

23:2703.02.2017

(updated: 23:41 03.02.2017)

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WASHINGTON, February 3 – RIA Novosti. the Total size of the price reduction under the contract to supply the Pentagon’s fifth generation fighter F-35 amounted to 728 million dollars, announced manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

“We are delighted to have reached agreement with the U.S. Department of defense for the next 90 F-35 aircraft. The agreement represents a savings of 728 million USD and almost 8% reduction in price compared to our last contract,” — said in the release.

“the Personal involvement of the President (of the USA Donald) trump the F-35 has accelerated the negotiations and concentrate our attention on the price reduction. The agreement was reached in a few weeks and represents a significant savings compared to previous contracts. It’s a good deal for the American taxpayer, our country, our company and our suppliers,” — said in a statement.

Also, Lockheed Martin announced that the agreement will allow the company to create 1,800 jobs at the plant in Texas and to “support thousands more jobs,” the companies involved in the processing chain.

it is Noteworthy that earlier on Friday, the press Secretary of the White house Sean Spicer called a much lower number of savings – 455 million. However, it is possible that he meant savings in delivery of the first batch of 55 aircraft. According to him, the discount from the original price amounted to 7.5%.

Previously, trump has promised to reduce the cost of F-35 fighter, which began to enter the army of the United States. The F-35 program, which is conducted by Lockheed Martin, cost taxpayers about $ 400 billion. Trump has also threatened to cancel the construction of the aircraft.

According to Defense News, the head of Lockheed Martin Marilyn Hewson met twice with trump about the program F-35, the last time on 13 January before the inauguration of the then President-elect. Hewson noted that trump hasn’t demonstrated a lack of willingness to support the program, but wanted a price reduction.

the F-35 modifications A (simple version intended for export) has been recognized by experts of the air force in August 2016 ready for operation in combat conditions, after repeated delays due to address the identified problems.

Israel in December of 2016 became the first owner of the cars of the fifth generation in the middle East. The country has so far received two of the 50 ordered in USA the F-35. The cost per aircraft of about $ 100 million. At the end of December 2016 Lockheed Martin has signed a contract for 450 million dollars for the production of the F-35 to South Korea.