The Netherlands to purchase 37 F-35 fighter planes

The Netherlands will purchase 37 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter planes,a decision that should end years of political wrangling over ballooning costs and delays.
The decision is a boost for Lockheed Martin and Washington, which had urged the Netherlands in April not to turn to other suppliers because of fears of rising costs in a project that has been blighted by technical faults and delays.
Dutch Defense Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert was due to announce the decision later on Tuesday in a policy paper setting out her long-term vision for the armed forces.
The decision brings the number of countries with firm commitments to purchase the F-35 to seven after Britain, Australia, Italy, Norway, Israel and Japan also placed orders.
reuters