Trump criticises cost overruns on Lockheed Martin´s F35 programme

Shares in US defense and space engineering group Lockheed Martin were sent lower at the start of the week following criticism from US President-elect via social platform Twitter.

In a tweet posted to his account, Donald Trump echoed fairly prevalent criticism in the industry of cost overruns in the company´s F-35 next-generation fighter jet development programme.

"The F-35 program and cost is out of control. Billions of dollars can and will be saved on military (and other) purchases after January 20th," Trump said.

The F-35 Lightining II is a so-called 5th Generation fighter sporting advanced stealth capabilities which is meant to become the next leading-edge platform for the US Air Force, Navy and Marines, as well for the armed forces of nearly 10 US allies, including the UK, Netherlands and Australia.

As of 1402 GMT shares in the engineer were down 2.70% at $252.51.