Struggling In America, F-35 Fighter Sought By Allies

The F-35 stealth fighter, a plane that critics have called the costliest military plane ever, may have recently found a savior, as deep-pocketed allies of the U.S. are looking to add the machines to their arsenal, The Associated Press reported.

According to the news outlet, the fighter was recently chosen by Japan over the Boeing F/A-18 and the Eurofighter Typhoon as a replacement for 42 aircraft in its aging air force. This marked the first victory for the plane in an open-bidding competition, though commitments have been made by countries such as England and Israel.

Manufacturer Lockheed Martin is looking to bring F-35′s to South Korea in a deal that could be the biggest single military purchase for the Asian nation ever. This would bring the country 60 top-of-the-line fighters worth more than $7 billion in a decision that could come as soon as October, according to the AP.

The Wall Street Journal reported that leaders from Lockheed Martin were distressed over the recent across-the-board cuts that would be imposed on the Defense Department if lawmakers do not alter the deficit-reduction deal.