The program was halted due to high unit cost of F-22 and delays in Russian and Chinese fifth-generation fighter jet programs.

FORBES: Lockheed Still Faces Headwinds Despite Raised Guidance

For example, when the B-1A program was restarted to produce the B-1B, the per unit cost of the B-1B was three-times higher than the B-1A. Importantly, the B-1B was a modification (albeit a significant one) of the A-model and a gap of just 18 months occurred in the production line.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy