The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is facing “significant challenges” on its future weapons and other capability upgrades. Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt said in written testimony that the upgrade known as Block 4 has had considerable issues related to the maturity of its hardware design, and timelines for integrating its software. Concurrency problems, hardware readiness, and program risks are also causing delays and potential production shutdowns.
The F-35 program is also struggling to field another series of improvements, known as Technology Refresh 3, that is a prerequisite for major portions of the Block 4 upgrades. Software problems have delayed TR-3, and slow production of key parts has also affected the physical completion of new jets. Block 4, which was originally meant to add 66 new capabilities at a cost of $10.6 billion by 2026, has grown to 80 capabilities costing $16.5 billion, and is now not expected to be done until 2029.
Schmidt said the program is focusing on eliminating the concurrency problems with a realistic delivery schedule. Defense experts have been evaluating Block 4′s development, and the Pentagon is working on reducing the risks of concurrency by setting milestones for carrying out a thorough review of Block 4′s hardware and software readiness.
The program needs nine flight sciences aircraft, but only has the resources to convert three production F-35s into the test jets it needs. They are requesting authorization from Congress to convert six more. Still, the F-35 program must make investments in flight sciences aircraft and software labs to get the most operational capability out of the F-35 weapons system.
