Lockheed Martin is facing a significant challenge in managing space for its undelivered F-35 Joint Strike Fighters as the aircraft’s upgrade processes lag behind schedule, according to a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). The delay is primarily due to setbacks in the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) software upgrade and the production of essential parts, leading to the U.S. Pentagon halting the acceptance of new jets since July 2023.
The TR-3 upgrade is crucial as it precedes the more comprehensive Block 4 enhancements, which are designed to increase the aircraft’s weapons capacity and enhance its electronic warfare capabilities. Despite these plans, the software for TR-3 has been described as “unstable,” causing unforeseen delays nearly a year past the initial delivery timeline.
This situation has resulted in a significant backlog of nearly finished F-35s parked at Lockheed’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, awaiting the final installation of TR-3 hardware and software. The GAO report highlighted the risks of storing numerous high-value jets in one location, which could lead to potential damages.
In response to these challenges, Lockheed has affirmed its commitment to prioritizing TR-3 as one of its top concerns and is working closely with the F-35 Joint Program Office and other industry partners to implement GAO’s recommendations effectively. Meanwhile, the F-35 Joint Program Office anticipates that the revised TR-3 software will commence flight testing soon, with the military potentially beginning to accept aircraft by late July.
Additionally, the House Armed Services Committee has proposed a reduction in F-35 purchases for fiscal year 2025 by ten jets, a measure expected to save approximately $1 billion. These funds would be redirected to enhance TR-3 integration and overall jet functionality, including developing more robust testing infrastructures such as an integrated software laboratory and additional test aircraft.
The GAO also noted that the F-35’s current testing fleet is inadequate, often grounded due to maintenance issues and a lack of spare parts. Plans are in place to expand the testing fleet, but new test jets won’t be ready until 2026, with further developmental test aircraft scheduled for completion between 2029 and 2034. This gap in testing capability is a critical concern as it could hinder the timely implementation of TR-3 and Block 4 upgrades, crucial for the F-35’s operational effectiveness and the integration of advanced unmanned systems in the future.
