The new aviation plan was signed by the deputy commandant and published Monday, shortly after a new report from the Pentagon’s top weapons tester that identified persistent issues plaguing the F-35 enterprise.
A “truncated” version of Technology Refresh 3 software has enabled the Pentagon to resume deliveries, though a second software patch that would make the jets fully combat capable isn’t expected for at least another year.
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“I’m getting tired of over-promising and under-delivering,” F-35 program head Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt said.
A wide-ranging hearing on the F-35 revealed new details on the aircraft’s current operations, as well as its developmental struggles, including its beleaguered TR-3 upgrade.
A sweeping report on sustainment of the F-35 from the Government Accountability Office found that a lack of depot capacity is hurting the fighter’s mission capable rates, with other problems in access to technical data, availability of parts and over-reliance on contractors for maintenance.
First deliveries of the F-35 are “anticipated to begin in 2026, and we anticipate that we will reach Full Operational Capability with our entire fleet between 2032 and 2034," the Canadian military said.
Government can’t stop to update systems, so modernization has to happen without interruptions.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt takes over the F-35 Joint Program Office as the negotiations with Lockheed Martin over the next lots of aircraft drag on amid pricing disagreements.