$485 billion F-35 crisis in the US: Deliveries delayed again, some features canceled

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, one of the largest defense projects in the United States, is experiencing a new crisis. According to a report published by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Block 4 modernization process for the $485 billion program has been delayed again, and some planned features have been canceled entirely.

The report, titled “F-35 Program: Measures Necessary to Address Late Deliveries and Improve Future Development,” stated that the program has been postponed to 2031 due to cost increases and delays in deliveries. The target date was previously announced as 2029 in May 2024.

Initially planned to add 66 capabilities, the Block 4 modernization target was increased to 80. However, the GAO report noted that some features, including the engine upgrade, were postponed, while others were shelved entirely. The statement, "According to program officials, the new Block 4 program will have fewer capabilities," drew attention.

F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin experienced major disruptions to planned upgrades with the TR-3 package in 2024, delaying delivery of 110 aircraft by 238 days. Parts shortages are expected to continue to delay deliveries through 2025.

"The F-35 remains critical to our national defense and that of our allies. But after nearly 20 years of production, the program continues to overpromise and yet deliveries are limited," the report said.

The Pentagon has been advised to reconsider the incentive bonuses paid to Lockheed Martin despite the delays. An updated Block 4 cost estimate will reportedly be released by the end of 2025.