"In November, we started delivering the first F-52s and F-35 fighter jets," Trump bragged during prepared remarks at a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg while emphasizing the order was worth "$10 billion."
Norway plans to procure 52 fifth-generation F-35 joint strike fighters, and Oslo has already authorized funding to acquire 40 F-35s. But if the F-52 exists outside of "Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare," it is so secret even the military doesn't know about it.
Trump just said we are selling F-52s to Norway. Here's an exclusive look at this new exciting aircraft. #f52 #stablegenius pic.twitter.com/OsN6kXNyar
— UnfairUnbalanced (@unfairunbalancd) January 10, 2018
— Kevin Baron (@DefenseBaron) January 10, 2018
— Alexander Clarkson (@APHClarkson) January 10, 2018
The president likely misread his notecards and actually meant to say that in November the US started delivery the first of 52 F-35 fighter jets, the Washington Post observed. Trump quickly attempted to correct himself, stating, "We have a total of 52 and they've delivered a number of them already a little ahead of schedule."
The F-35 program will end up becoming "DoD's most costly acquisition program," the Government Accountability Office noted in March 2016. Excluding acquisition costs of about $400 billion, US military planners have estimated that operating costs will bring the total lifecycle cost of the F-35 program up to $1.5 trillion.
