The acquisition cost isn't the issue with the F-35.  The $42,000 per flight hour operational cost is the issue.  After 30,000 hours, we'll have spent 1.26BILLION just from operating the thing.  How can we even consider that when we're already in debt and running a defecit?  Sooner or later, the spending has to stop or at the bery least become smarter.  Spending all those billions on fighters that really don't seem that impressive is irresponsible at best and criminal at worst.  Also keep in mind, what happens if the US dolar goes up even more (which it might just from the sale of these things)?  You guessed it!  Our costs escalate with it!  Make no mistake, I see a lot of genius in the design of the F-35, I really do.  The problem is that I see nothing but sheer stupidity and arrogance in its execution.  I say get Super Gripens for now.  If and when the F-35 becomes reliable and cost-effective, then buy it.  We're not exactly on the brink of war here.  Let's not spend like we are.