Lockheed Martin delivered a document 191 F-35 fighter jets final yr, however nearly half of them have been presupposed to be delivered two years in the past. The delays are as a result of software program points and system modernization.

Final yr, Lockheed Martin delivered a document variety of F-35 fighters to prospects, however a good portion of the plane arrived with substantial delays. In line with Pentagon information, nearly half of the delivered models ought to have been transferred to the armed forces two years in the past. That is reported by Bloomberg, writes UNN.

Particulars

The Protection Contract Administration Company (DCMA) reported that out of 191 fighters accepted by the US final yr, solely 98 models met the 2025 contracts. The remaining 93 plane have been deliveries that ought to have occurred in earlier intervals. Lockheed Martin beforehand introduced exceeding the 2021 document, when 142 plane have been shipped, however didn’t specify particulars concerning the timelines for fulfilling obligations.

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The delays have been attributable to the suspension of the plane acceptance program as a result of incomplete {hardware} and software program updates. Specifically, in 2023, the Pentagon blocked deliveries for nearly a yr, awaiting progress in modernizing programs which might be crucial for the fight functionality of the fighters.

TR-3 Software program Points

Regardless of the producer's statements about offering essentially the most superior software program after the completion of the TR-3 part, the DCMA notes that as of January 8, not all system-level necessities have been met. It’s at the moment unknown whether or not the delivered plane have totally suitable and purposeful software program of this model.

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This modernization is important for the fighters to have the ability to use new cockpit gear, carry extra exact weapons, and extra successfully acquire intelligence. The replace is predicted to extend the plane's computing energy by 37 instances and reminiscence by 20 instances.

Political Stress and Future Manufacturing Plans

The actions of main protection contractors are at the moment beneath elevated scrutiny from the Donald Trump administration. The President and Secretary of State Pete Hegseth have repeatedly criticized the businesses' monetary insurance policies concerning inventory buybacks and pointed to the necessity to improve the effectivity of weapons manufacturing.

For 2026, the contractual requirement offers for the supply of 128 plane, though the ultimate obligations are nonetheless being decided. Though Lockheed Martin has proven progress in accelerating gear meeting, the DCMA emphasizes the existence of a scarcity of spare elements, which continues to trigger delays in manufacturing processes.

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