The first F-35s with Technology Refresh 3 upgrades will be used for training initially, not combat-ready until 2025. TR-3 is a year overdue, with delivery not expected until at least the third quarter of 2024 due to software and hardware integration setbacks.
Lockheed and the F-35 program are under pressure to resolve TR-3 issues, with specialized software being considered for loading into the jet to speed delivery before full upgrades are complete in 2025.
Lockheed aims to deliver 75-110 F-35s this year while facing supply delays from TR-3 suppliers. Challenges with TR-3 complexity and executing capability improvements contributed to delays.
Lockheed plans to release a training version of TR-3 first, then a combat-capable version later to allow squadrons to start operations training, despite difficulties in software integration.
