A recent report from the Pentagon’s test office indicates that the F-35 program continues to face significant difficulties in developing and testing software. This highlights ongoing challenges within the program, as it has “shown no improvement in meeting schedule and performance timelines for developing and testing software designed to address deficiencies and add new capabilities,” according to the annual Operation Test and Evaluation report released on January 31.
The development issues are primarily related to Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3), which is a critical software and hardware upgrade necessary for Block 4 improvements. Initially scheduled for completion in April 2023, the TR-3 upgrade has faced multiple delays, and officials have been reluctant to set a definitive date for when the full combat capability will be achieved. Software difficulties led the Pentagon to halt Lockheed jet deliveries for a year; although deliveries have recently resumed, the new aircraft are equipped with a “truncated” version of TR-3.
The Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) stated that the F-35 program “cannot simultaneously work out solutions” for the software issues present in the existing TR-2 systems while developing the software required for the upgraded TR-3 avionics. Additionally, delays in TR-3 development are affecting the plans to retrofit existing TR-2 jets with new capabilities, contributing to a backlog in delivering capabilities outlined in Block 4 for TR-2 configuration aircraft.
The report also highlighted that the F-35 Joint Program Office has not adequately planned for the combat testing of TR-3. Full operational testing of TR-3 is not expected until next year, with dedicated operational testing likely to occur in the mid to late fiscal year 2026—approximately two years after the configuration began deliveries to the field. Despite operational testing being postponed to 2026, there is still a possibility for TR-3 combat capabilities to be deployed in 2025, as weapons programs may start fielding systems before completing full operational testing.
Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, F-35 Program Executive Officer, stated that the F-35 Joint Program Office remains focused on addressing known risks to ensure TR-3 combat capability is delivered in 2025, with ongoing improvements planned for future lots to ensure that warfighters are equipped for future conflicts. Furthermore, the DOT&E report has also identified quality defects in newly produced jets from Lockheed’s production line and emphasized the need for more extensive testing to mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities across the fleet.
