The Pentagon will propose spending about $9.2 billion to buy 29 Lockheed Martin Corp. F-35 jets in its fiscal 2013 budget, 13 fewer than previously planned, U.S. officials said.
The reduction is part of a decision to delay purchasing 179 of the Joint Strike Fighters beyond 2017 to continue development, testing and correction of deficiencies, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity yesterday in advance of a Defense Department announcement.
