Pentagon Requests $13.7 Billion to Revitalize F‑35 Readiness Amid Declining Capability

SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS, Brazil — The Pentagon has announced an additional $13.7 billion request to enhance sustainment of the Lockheed Martin F‑35 Joint Strike Fighter, as its readiness rates continue to fall despite years of effort, according to a recent watchdog report.

The GAO’s assessment of F‑35 sustainment, released today, shows that the joint‑variant fleet’s full‑mission capable rate fell from 38 percent in fiscal 2021 to 25 percent in FY25, while the aircraft’s mission‑capability rate dropped from 67 percent to 44 percent over the same period. This decline is partly attributed to delays in the Technology Refresh 3 upgrade, which previously halted deliveries.

To reverse the trend, the F‑35 Joint Program Office introduced a “Global Support Solution Reset” last year, as outlined in the GAO report. The proposed budget would fund activities from FY26 through FY31, but the watchdog highlighted several risks that could impede the reset’s ability to meet readiness goals.

The services operating the aircraft would need to finance the plan. The Air Force indicated it could likely cover the costs associated with the reset for its F‑35A fleet, whereas Marine Corps and Navy officials warned that competing priorities might restrict their contributions. Despite recent congressional appropriations, sustainment funding gaps persist.

Furthermore, except for the Marine Corps F‑35C, projected operating costs in the mid‑2030s have risen compared with earlier estimates, driven by higher anticipated flight hours. While each service’s funding may meet short‑term requirements, long‑term affordability remains a concern and could jeopardize sustainment efforts.

Even with additional funding, the industrial base may struggle to meet demand. The canopy supply chain, previously identified as a bottleneck limiting mission‑capable rates, faces capacity challenges. Similarly, the F135 engine program, involving Pratt & Whitney and the JPO, noted potential constraints in industry capacity to satisfy part‑delivery needs.

The reset plan also seeks to address a range of challenges, from expanding spare‑part supplies to improving corrosion management. The GAO found that the strategy incorporates many of its prior recommendations, though it still falls short in providing the Pentagon with sufficient technical data to independently maintain the aircraft.

A spokesperson for the F‑35 Joint Program Office did not promptly respond to requests for comment. Lockheed noted in a statement that it “continues to collaborate with the Joint Program Office and industry partners to deliver efficient sustainment for warfighters,” and that the company “has invested over $2 billion in advanced funding to accelerate spare‑part delivery and improve readiness across the F‑35 fleet.”

A spokesperson for RTX, Pratt & Whitney’s parent company, said in a statement that the firm “leverages a strong operational readiness record while expanding capacity to maintain the performance, reliability, and capability that operators expect.”

“Over the past five years, Pratt & Whitney has invested more than $1 billion to expand and modernize F135 production and sustainment capacity,” the spokesperson added. “This effort has raised F135 engine output, boosting current production rates by 20 % compared with earlier contract volumes.”

GAO issued a total of three new recommendations, including that officials establish risk‑mitigation plans for the GSS Reset, improve incentive‑fee structures, and implement a system that can better track fee metrics and payment information. All three recommendations remain open.

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