Lockheed Martin has delayed the rollout of the F-35 fighter’s Technology Refresh 3 upgrade package, affecting delivery timelines. The TR-3 update includes mission system avionics upgrades crucial for the Block 4 update. Lockheed stated that customers in Australia, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea are being kept informed.
The Royal Australian Air Force is facing delivery delays for nine F-35As, impacting the declaration of final operational capability. All 72 aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2024-25. Upgrading in-service F-35As with older TR-2 and Block 3 software to TR-3 standard will be part of a future modernization program.
South Korea is not expected to be affected by the TR-3 delay, having received 40 F-35As from 2018 to 2021. Newly procured F-35As in the Block 4 configuration will arrive in 2027, reducing the reliance on Australia for maintenance. Singapore’s planned F-35 acquisitions are unlikely to be impacted due to their delivery schedule.
Japan has active orders for 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, with nearly 40 F-35As delivered to date. The country operates its own assembly facility and is expecting the first TR-3 configured F-35Bs next year. Lockheed Martin is working to deliver combat training-capable aircraft with the TR-3 upgrade this quarter, with most features in flight testing.