[tim333]

From 2012: "The government now projects that the total cost to develop, buy and operate the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will be $1.51 trillion over the next 50-plus years, according to a Pentagon document obtained by Reuters"

Dunno if it's true but it's still mentioned in the Wikipedia article.

[nostrademons]

"The government is projected to pay $1.51T over the next 50-plus years" is a very different statement from "The government paid $1.5T for it."

[engi_nerd]

I pointed to the latest selected acquisition report, which is the definitive document regarding program costs. It is to be considered the authoritative source for cost data related to this program. It is more recent than the document referenced in the Wikipedia article.