Fed: JSF budget continues to rise

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2007
Fed: JSF budget continues to rise

Delays in production and rising commodity prices have sent the price of Australia's
Joint Strike Fighter skyward .. the second cost blowout on the next-generation fighter
in as many months.

But Defence Minister BRENDAN NELSON says he is unfazed by the latest 28 billion blowout
of the US-led program.

The minister says people need to understand there are three variants of this aircraft
and there has been a two per cent increase in the cost of that aircraft .. that had been
anticipated.

Dr Nelson's comments did little to appease Labor's defence spokesman JOEL FITZGIBBON
.. who says the government's strategy of maintaining Australia's regional air superiority
is in doubt.

AAP RTV pv/wz/af

KEYWORD: JSF (CANBERRA)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.