The U.S. Air Force’s decision to purchase fewer F-35A jets in fiscal 2025 is due to delays in the Technology Refresh 3 upgrades. The service plans to buy 42 F-35As from Lockheed Martin in 2025, down from the original plan of 48. TR-3 improvements are necessary before the broader Block 4 upgrades can be implemented to enhance the F-35’s capabilities.
Lockheed Martin has faced delays in delivering TR-3 jets, causing the Pentagon to stop accepting newly-built F-35s. The company is working on completing TR-3 upgrades and expects to begin delivering the jets in the third quarter of 2024. The Air Force intends to buy a total of 1,763 F-35s, despite the current procurement adjustments.
Rep. Rob Wittman has expressed concern over the ongoing delays in TR-3 and F-35 deliveries, highlighting potential issues with jets being unable to fly combat missions immediately due to software issues. Wittman emphasized the need to address these delays to prevent any long-term impacts on Block 4 upgrades in the future.
