F-35-maker makes public case for stealth fighter in skeptical Canada

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/f-35-maker-makes-public-case-for-stealth-fighter-in-skeptical-canada-1.70021

F-35-maker makes public case for stealth fighter in skeptical Canada
Murray Brewster / The Canadian Press
February 8, 2013

OTTAWA - The manufacturer of the F-35 has been quietly trying to counter Canadian critics of its oft-maligned stealth fighter.

Over the last few days, senior company officials have held wide-ranging briefings on the troubled program, which has become a political lightning rod for the Harper government.

Lockheed Martin, the world's largest defence contractor, now is trying to rebut the many criticisms of the program, including claims about sticker price and lifetime costs.

~snip~

While Lockheed Martin F-35 vice-president Stephen O'Bryan says the firm has co-operated with and supports Canada, he laid out a business case for proceeding with program, which estimates say could cost taxpayers nearly $45 billion over its lifetime.