DefenseUS F-35 fighters were available only 50% of the time in 2024 - report
The fleet of F-35 fighters of the United States was available for flight only half the expected time in 2024, a result of maintenance deficiencies attributed to Lockheed Martin, according to an official report revealed by Reuters.
The average availability of the aircraft stood at 50%, a figure 17% below the minimum required by contract. According to the document, the Pentagon “did not always hold Lockheed Martin accountable for poor performance related to F-35 sustainment.”
The Department of War disbursed about $1.7 billion to Lockheed Martin, even in the face of the aircraft’s unavailability for nearly half the period.
Experts point out that the AVS contract did not stipulate operational performance metrics nor required detailed inspection and material ownership reports, which hindered oversight.
The F-35 is the largest acquisition program of the Pentagon, with projected costs exceeding $2 trillion considering purchase, operation, and sustainment over its useful life.
Lockheed celebrates record production year
The finding comes amid the acceleration of production of the 5th generation fighter, which has been exported to several countries.
Recently, Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet stated that the company is on the verge of reaching its goal of producing one aircraft per working day in 2025.
By the end of the third quarter alone, the manufacturer had already delivered 143 jets, surpassing the previous annual record of 142 in 2022.
If it achieves the goal, Lockheed Martin could register its best F-35 delivery year of the decade, representing a 64% increase compared to 2023.
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