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Lockheed Martin Sets Asia-Pacific Sales Goal For F-35

Lockheed Martin aims to sell about 500 F-35 aircraft to governments in the Asia-Pacific region during the life of the stealth fighter's production program.

SINGAPORE (AP) — Lockheed Martin aims to sell about 500 F-35 aircraft to governments in the Asia-Pacific region during the life of the stealth fighter's production program, an executive said Tuesday.
 
''I think 500 is about right, plus or minus 50,'' Vice President for F-35 Business Development George Standridge told Dow Jones Newswires at the Singapore Airshow.
 
He said Lockheed Martin is in talks with four likely buyers, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Singapore. Lockheed will focus on countries that are positioned to upgrade from models such as the F-16, F-18, or the Harrier.
 
The F-35 Lightning II fighter has been described by the manufacturer as a multinational effort to build an affordable, supersonic stealth fighter, and is designed to replace a wide range of aircraft.
 
The sales target suggests revenue from the region exceeding US$20 billion (euro13.6 billion), as the U.S. government's initial orders were priced at US$45 million (euro30.7 million) per plane in 2002.
 
Australia has already signaled an intent to buy 100 F-35s, but the contract has yet to be signed.
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