**GAO-10-520T**                      Published: Mar 11, 2010. Publicly Released: Mar 11, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

This testimony discusses our work on the F-35 Lightning II, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The JSF is the Department of Defense's (DOD) most costly and ambitious aircraft acquisition. DOD is seeking to simultaneously develop and field three aircraft variants for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and eight international partners. The JSF program is to provide critical replacement aircraft that will serve as the heart of future tactical air forces. It will require a long-term commitment to very large annual funding outlays. The current estimated investment is $323 billion to develop and procure 2,457 aircraft.

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## Topics

National Defense

AircraftAircraft componentsAircraft researchCost analysisCost effectiveness analysisCost reimbursement contractsDefense capabilitiesDefense cost controlDefense procurementDepartment of Defense contractorsFighter aircraftFinancial managementFixed price contractsMilitary aircraftMilitary technologyOperational testingProcurement evaluationProcurement planningProduct evaluationProgram evaluationProgram managementRisk assessmentRisk managementSchedule slippagesStrategic planningSystems designSystems testingTactical air forcesTechnology assessmentTestingCost estimatesProgram costs