In 2024, every single one of the 110 fighters delivered by Lockheed was delivered late.

The F-35 Lightning II’s latest modernization package is now delayed by at least two years. According to a report issued by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) earlier this month, the Department of Defense is currently in the process of creating a new subprogram aimed at ensuring the F-35 platform’s price, schedule, and performance goals are met. As the report details, “According to program officials, the new Block 4 major subprogram will have fewer capabilities, will experience schedule delays, and will have unknown costs until the program office finishes developing its cost estimate. The program expects to finalize the acquisition planning documents establishing the Block 4 major subprogram in the fall of 2025.”

The F-35 Amid High Costs and Long Delays

While the Lightning II platform is widely considered to be the most advanced fighter of its kind in service today, the F-35 program is also the most costly. The Block 4’s costs are particularly creeping upward, totaling more than $6 billion over original estimates. As part of this new subprogram, the Block 4 modernization package will be coupled with the Technology Refresh 3.

In addition to the Block 4 delays, GAO also spelled out production issues that have set back the Lightning II program in recent years. According to GAO, both Lockheed Martin and engine producer Pratt & Whitney have struggled to deliver F-35 jets and the F135 engine on time. In 2024, every single one of the 110 fighters delivered by Lockheed was delivered late. Similarly, all of the 123 F135 engines delivered by Pratt in 2024 were also late. Although these setbacks are concerning, the F-35 is expected to remain a critical player for decades to come.

Background on the F-35 Lightning II

Born from the Joint Strike Fighter program, the Lightning II has it all. From stealth and avionics to electronic warfare and versatility, the fifth-generation jet is highly sought after by militaries across the globe. A pair of F-135-PW-100 engines powers the F-35 Lightning II, providing 40,000 pounds of maximum propulsion. This engine power gives each fighter a range of 1,200 nautical miles and allows the jet to reach speeds in excess of Mach 1.6 (times the speed of sound). The Lightning II’s small radar cross-section also gives it an edge, as the platform can largely evade adversarial radar and aircraft detection. Arguably, the platform’s greatest feature is its unmatched ability to gather, process, and pass along information in real-time to allied forces securely. This data transmission serving capability is unique and cost-effective. Instead of churning out new fighters as emerging technologies come about down the line, engineers will be able to seamlessly incorporate modern tech into the fighters as they come about.

Based on capability and promise alone, the F-35 is certainly a top-tier platform. However, the Navy and Air Force are already eyeing future successors. The F/A-XX and the Next-Generation Air Dominance programs will represent the service’s sixth-generation fighter programs when introduced. While these futuristic programs will provide next-level capability and function, the service’s F-35 fleets will remain in the skies simultaneously for decades at least.