Dutch should go ahead with F-35 test project

The Netherlands should go ahead with participating in the F-35 fighter test programme because pulling out at this stage would incur substantial costs, a government think-tank said.

But the Court of Audit report stopped short of recommending whether it thought the Netherlands should stay in the whole F-35 project - which is controversial because of cost overruns and delays - or opt for a different type of plane.

Lockheed Martin Corp is developing three models of the new fighter for the United States and eight other countries - Britain, Canada, Australia, Italy, Turkey, Denmark and Norway as well as the Netherlands.

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