Pentagon to accept deliveries of Lockheed F-35s after yearlong pause

The Pentagon has decided to resume accepting deliveries of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 jets after a year-long pause. Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, head of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, approved a plan to accept the jets with a partial version of the TR-3 software, which is essential for the F-35’s future modernization efforts. TR-3 upgrades include improvements to displays, memory, and processing power, paving the way for a larger Block 4 upgrade that enhances the jet’s weapon-carrying capabilities. Software integration issues and hardware delays had previously stalled the program, causing the Defense Department to halt deliveries. While deliveries are expected to resume soon, these jets will initially be used for training, with full combat readiness anticipated by 2025.