I wonder which of our neighbors we must defend ourselves. Belgium, Germany or UK.
Countries with lower levels of wealth, prove to be extremely more intelligent than ours. For example Costa Rica, which despite to be placed into a geographical location extraordinary more complicated than ours, never had army. And never had any problem.
The most practical thing is to defend ourselves against stupidity. Exploited it by fascism to turn it into xenophobia. And for that mission, JSFs not work.
The good news is that the right weapons are remarkably cheaper, information (instead of neo-nazi 'propaganda') and common sense (instead of fake 'nationalism').

By zenplus | October 25, 2010 1:08 PM

As usual, the price of these fighters as gone up over 23% of original estimates. It would be nice if weapons systems estimates had even a grain of truth or accuracy.

Since the price has gone up, the number of units purchased should go down.

Looking at the possible weapons systems from various nations, the joint strike fighter is still the best over the long term. It hurts to pay for defence, but it hurts even more to be defenceless. No one likes paying for insurance either, especially when you believe you will never need it.

By Jim | October 25, 2010 7:58 PM

I agree with the previous comments. Why do the dutch need those JSFs from the first place. I come from a bankrupt country (greece) which even nowadays germans try to sell us 50 eurofighters, and americans 35 JSFs saying that turkey has purchased already 50 and the balance changes.
It is just madness and WASTE of money.
Besides, (and i hope that editors won't remove it) when dutch army was called for help (afghanistan recently, srebrenica in the past) they did not do much.

By kos | October 26, 2010 9:06 AM

The unit price has gone up by almost 70% while the JSF Program Budget is now over 383 billion dollars US - almost double what it was back in 2002.

The UK has pulled out of the STOVL JSF because they have realised it won't work in the field and have only said they will consider buying the carrier aircraft, the F-35C, to save face for themselves and their American buddies.

By Peter | October 26, 2010 10:13 AM