Kelly Worries F-35 Flying Costs Won’t Hit Target, and That China May Get NGAD First Feb. 26, 2021 | By John A. Tirpak The head of Air Combat Command isn't sure the cost of operating the F-35 will hit the desired $25,000 per hour by 2025, and he's headed out to meetings to see what can be done to make it happen. He's also concerned that China will ...