F-35 yearlong delivery halt has been lifted
By Stephen Losey
Wednesday, Sep 18, 2024
The U.S. military has accepted 36 upgraded F-35 Joint Strike Fighters from Lockheed Martin since lifting a yearlong delivery halt in July. The delay was initially due to issues with the F-35’s updated Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) hardware and software, which are essential for enabling the Block 4 upgrades. These upgrades will allow the jets to carry more weapons, identify targets better, and engage in electronic warfare. However, the new aircraft currently remain non-combat-capable, with the expectation that they will be ready by 2025. Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, overseeing the F-35 program, is focused on improving development processes and holding industry accountable, with payment holdbacks until TR-3’s combat capability is verified. The F-35 program also reassesses the Block 4 upgrades to ensure feasible and effective enhancements, balancing budget constraints and technical capabilities.
Main Points of the Article
- The U.S. accepted 36 Lockheed Martin-made F-35s after lifting a yearlong delivery halt.
- The halt, beginning in July 2023, was due to issues with TR-3 hardware and software.
- TR-3 includes upgrades to displays, computer memory, and processing power, required for the Block 4 upgrade package.
- Block 4 will enable better weapon capacity, target identification, and electronic warfare capabilities.
- A “truncated” version of TR-3 software allowed the jets to be used for training.
- Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt highlighted ongoing challenges and the need for a revised delivery order.
- The F-35s are expected to be combat-ready by 2025, pending additional work.
- Schmidt emphasized the need to hold industry accountable for development issues.
- The Joint Program Office (JPO) brought in a review team to assess software development.
- Lockheed Martin faces payment withholds until TR-3 combat capability is certified.
- TR-3 delays have caused Block 4 upgrades to be significantly postponed.
- Block 4 capability requirements, currently around 80, are being reassessed for technical feasibility and costs.
- Schmidt aims for a refined Block 4 plan by spring, balancing budget and capability needs.
- The program strives to maintain the F-35 as the leading fighter aircraft.