Overview
- The Dec. 19 DoD inspector general audit reports F‑35 Air Vehicle Availability averaged 50% in fiscal 2024, below service minimums.
- The review says the F‑35 Joint Program Office omitted measurable readiness requirements, failed to enforce inspection and property reporting rules, and did not effectively use contracting officer’s representatives.
- Despite missed readiness metrics, Lockheed Martin was paid about $1.7 billion under the 2024 sustainment contract without economic adjustment as of July 1, 2025.
- The audit recommends adding enforceable incentive metrics, refining oversight roles for contracting officer’s representatives, and adjusting staffing at F‑35 sites, with officials generally agreeing; six recommendations are resolved-pending and one remains unresolved.
- The findings track with wider Air Force strain, including an overall mission‑capable rate of roughly 67% in 2024, with leadership pressing a “Fly, fix, fight” focus and several partner nations reassessing aspects of their F‑35 procurement and sustainment plans.