GAO report finds one in four U.S. F-35 jets fully mission-ready
GAO report cites spare parts shortages and contractor reliance.
One in four U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jets is fully mission-ready, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. The report, titled “Actions Needed to Ensure Updated Strategy Addresses Persistent Readiness Challenges,” states that fleet readiness has declined despite rising costs over the last five years.
The mission-capable rate, which measures the time an aircraft can perform at least one assigned task, fell from 67% in fiscal year 2021 to 44% in fiscal year 2026. The full mission-capable rate, indicating the ability to perform all assigned tasks, decreased from 38% to 25%.
The U.S. Air Force operates more than 500 F-35A aircraft. Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 800 F-35s to all branches of the U.S. military.
The GAO cited a lack of spare parts and a heavy reliance on contractors as primary reasons for the decline. The F-35 Joint Program Office plans to allocate an additional $13.7 billion for maintenance over the next five years, averaging $2.75 billion annually.
The report recommends that the Department of Defense implement risk mitigation plans for technical data access, industrial capacity, and affordability. It also suggests that the Pentagon use performance incentives and penalties for delays in maintenance contracts.
Additional recommendations include the development of quality control systems to monitor incentive fees and the documentation of contract changes.
