F-35 lifetime cost: $1.45 trillion

The government projects that the total cost to develop, buy and operate the Lockheed Martin F-35 will be $1.45 trillion over 50-plus years, according to a Pentagon document obtained by Reuters. The estimate is up from about $1 trillion a year ago, and includes inflation -- a third of the projected F-35 operating costs. Military officials and industry executives point out that no other weapons program's costs have been calculated over such a long period. (Source: Reuters, 03/29/12) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 training center.