GAO report reveals critical F-35 maintenance challenges impacting US fighter readiness
The DoD aimed to create an F-35 sustainment approach aligning with the operational needs of both US and foreign users, emphasising supportability and affordability. (Photo: US Navy/US DoD)
The US DoD is facing significant obstacles in achieving its sustainment goals for the fleet of approximately 450 F-35 fighters despite plans to expand the fleet to 2,000 over the next two decades.
Maintenance challenges have had a negative effect on US services' F-35 readiness, according to a report published by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The paper highlighted that the fifth-generation fighter fleet mission capable rate was about 55% in March 2023, far below programme goals. When assessed in the same period, the programme was also said to be behind schedule in establishing depot maintenance activities to conduct repairs, resulting in longer ‘component repair times, with more than 10,000 waiting to be repaired’.
The GAO also found that ‘organisational-level maintenance has been affected by a number of issues, including technical data and training’.
Across
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
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.
-
![Analysis: UK government goes on decommissioning spree to balance defence budget]()
Analysis: UK government goes on decommissioning spree to balance defence budget
UK defence secretary John Healey has announced the cancellation and decommissioning of naval and air force platforms to enable the government to “re-invest money in the armed forces” ahead of the upcoming Strategic Defence Review.
-
![Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped]()
Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped
BAE Systems Air business has reaffirmed its commitment to the Typhoon programme as union representatives from the company urge the UK government to order 24 Typhoon jets.
