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
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![USAF evaluates potential E-7A upgrades]()
USAF evaluates potential E-7A upgrades
The US Air Force is assessing and identifying capability upgrades for the AEW&C aircraft, including the possible replacement of the E-7A’s MESA radar and electronic warfare self-protection system.
-
![Italy boosts UAV fleet with Jump-20 procurement and ScanEagle additions]()
Italy boosts UAV fleet with Jump-20 procurement and ScanEagle additions
The Jump-20 uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) procurement will replace Italy’s RQ-7 Shadow UAS fleet.
-
![Co-operation continues as tri-national F-35s break new ground in Pacific exercise]()
Co-operation continues as tri-national F-35s break new ground in Pacific exercise
The February exercise marked a milestone in multinational cooperation with fifth-generational air warfare capabilities, but will it continue considering shifting US politics?
-
![UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement]()
UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement
Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
-
![Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark]()
Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark
The Swedish Government has asked parliament to authorise two possible export sales as part of its 2025 Spring amending budget bill.
