The €330bn US fighter jet that can't fire its guns

The cost per plane, which is billed as the world's most advanced - and expensive - fighter jet, has doubled to €131m and it will be six years late in entering full production. Photo: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

David Millward

America's much-vaunted new F-35 stealth jet has suffered the latest in a series of problems with the discovery of a software glitch which prevents the use of its onboard cannon.

The jump jets - 14 of which have been ordered by Britain - are costing US taxpayers nearly $400bn (€330bn) and are due to enter service next year.