Exploring the Struggles and Advancements of the F-35 Readiness Effort

F35 in flight — F35 Lightning II in the clouds

F-35 fighter jets face ongoing readiness challenges despite significant investment and technological advancements.

At a Glance

First F-35s with Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrades won’t be combat-ready until 2025
F-35A mission capable rate for fiscal 2023 was 51.9%, far below the 80% minimum target
Projected sustainment costs have risen from $1.1 trillion in 2018 to $1.58 trillion in 2023
Over 990 F-35s have been delivered, with more than 1,000 produced

F-35 Readiness Initiative Falls Short of Expectations

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, touted as the cornerstone of modern air defense, is experiencing significant hurdles in its readiness initiative. Despite being operational and combat-ready in several countries, the program faces mounting challenges in meeting its performance targets and controlling costs.

The mission capable rate for the F-35A variant has declined from 56% in 2022 to 51.9% in fiscal 2023, falling well short of the Air Force’s minimum performance target of 80%. This shortfall is primarily attributed to spare parts availability issues, highlighting the complex logistics involved in maintaining these advanced aircraft.

Lightning Progress ⚡ We have weight on wheels for Poland’s first F-35, designated AZ-01. The aircraft will bolster regional security and safeguard vital interests. More here ➡️ https://t.co/23rUlxoMNf pic.twitter.com/wf0EYaV8cF

— F-35 Lightning II (@thef35) April 29, 2024

Technology Refresh 3 Delays and Cost Overruns

A significant setback in the F-35 program is the delay in implementing Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3), a crucial upgrade package that includes improved displays, computer memory, and processing power. The U.S. government has refused to accept F-35s without TR-3 since last summer, leading to a halt in deliveries.

“What we’ve run into on TR-3 is, the level of complexity and executing a [capability] increase that’s pretty dramatic. We are wringing out all of the software through all of the new hardware, and integrating into all of the aircraft’s other systems, and that’s taken longer than our team predicted.” said Lockheed chief executive Jim Taiclet.

The first F-35s with TR-3 upgrades are now expected to be used for training purposes and won’t be combat-ready until 2025. This delay is causing frustration among lawmakers and military officials who have been hearing promises of progress for years.

Rising Costs and Sustainability Concerns

The F-35 program’s financial outlook is becoming increasingly concerning. Projected sustainment costs have skyrocketed from $1.1 trillion in 2018 to $1.58 trillion in 2023. The Air Force now anticipates spending $6.6 million annually per F-35A, a 34% increase from the previous estimate of $4.1 million.

Despite these challenges, the F-35 remains a critical component of U.S. and allied air power. With over 990 F-35s delivered and more than 1,000 produced, the aircraft has accumulated nearly 800,000 flight hours. The program includes 18 countries with orders for 3,497 aircraft, underscoring its global significance.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Capability and Sustainability

As the F-35 program moves forward, balancing its advanced capabilities with sustainability and cost-effectiveness remains a significant challenge. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has made 43 recommendations to improve the F-35 program since 2014, but 30 remain unimplemented, indicating ongoing management issues.

While the F-35 continues to be hailed as a game-changer in modern warfare, its readiness issues and rising costs pose serious questions about its long-term viability. As the program progresses, finding solutions to these persistent challenges will be crucial for ensuring the F-35’s role as the backbone of allied air power through its projected service life until 2088.