F-35 full-rate production could slip, says DoD
Simulation tests, originally planned for 2017 and rescheduled for December 2020, have been delayed again
Full-rate production of the F-35 Lightning II faces a delay until 2021, following a decision by the DoD to postpone essential simulation tests until then.
Meanwhile, F-35 low-rate initial production will continue ‘in line with congressional authorisation and appropriation’, said Jessica Maxwell, a spokeswoman for Ellen Lord, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
F-35 simulation tests were due to take place in December 2020 but this is not the first time they have been pushed back, as they were originally scheduled for 2017.
F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin acknowledged in July 2020 that an annual target of 141 deliveries could slip by as many as 24 units due to COVID-19 issues and suppliers being unable to maintain timely deliveries.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the USAF plans to order 1137 F-35As between FY2026 and FY2048; and the USN aims to buy 115 F-35B STOVL variants between FY2026 and FY2031 plus 130 F-35C carrier variants between FY2026 and FY2030.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
F-35C Carrier Variant (CV) Future Procurement
More from Air Warfare
-
![EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon]()
EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
-
![Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets]()
Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets
The Romanian government has formalised a deal to purchase 32 F-35A aircraft from the US. The jets will not be expected to be operational in Romania until 2030.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
