"The US military is facing worsening delivery delays for its advanced F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters, according to a new government watchdog assessment. A report released Wednesday by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that most F-35s delivered in 2023 by contractor Lockheed Martin and engine maker Pratt & Whitney were late, arriving an average of 61 days behind schedule. In 2024, the problem grew notably worse: every F-35 delivered was late, with an average delay of 238 days."
"The report attributed the bulk of the delays to the Technology Refresh 3, or TR-3 - a suite of hardware and software upgrades that form the foundation of the $2 billion Block 4 modernization effort.That program is also now expected to cost about $6 billion more than planned and be finished at least five years later than initially projected."
Most F-35 deliveries were late, with 2023 aircraft averaging 61 days behind schedule and 2024 deliveries averaging 238 days late. The delays stem largely from Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3), a hardware and software upgrade underpinning the $2 billion Block 4 modernization. Block 4 is now expected to cost about $6 billion more and finish at least five years later than planned. The Department of Defense has paid millions in incentive fees, but the incentive structure allowed contractors to earn fees even when aircraft were up to 60 days late. Lockheed Martin intends to deliver 170 to 190 F-35s this year and continue fielding Block 4 capabilities. The program spans distinct Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps variants.
Read at Business Insider
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