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yesterday

Pentagon Watchdog Faults F-35 Oversight as Fleet Flies Only Half the Time

The audit says weak contract controls let $1.7 billion in sustainment payments proceed despite unmet readiness goals.

Image
A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II taxis during a cross-servicing event at NATO Allied Air Command’s Ramstein Flag 2025 exercise April 4, 2025. Successful cross-servicing at RAFL25 is an example of the importance of integrated logistics and maintenance training that enhances U.S. warfighting readiness by strengthening United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa’s ability to deploy, sustain, and project fifth-generation capabilities across the European theater. (Royal Netherlands photo by Sgt. Maj. Jan Dijkstra)
F-35. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

Overview

  • The Defense Department inspector general reported average F-35 Air Vehicle Availability at 50% in fiscal 2024, below service requirements.
  • The F-35 Joint Program Office did not include measurable readiness metrics in the June 2024 sustainment contract and failed to enforce inspection and government property reporting.
  • Lockheed Martin received about $1.7 billion in sustainment payments by July 1, 2025 without economic adjustments despite persistent shortfalls in mission-capable and availability rates.
  • The audit issued seven corrective actions for acquisition leaders and the JPO, with DoD generally agreeing; six recommendations are resolved but still open and one remains unresolved.
  • Investigators found contracting officer’s representatives were not used effectively at aircraft sites, and reporting notes the shortfall is fueling operational strain and renewed scrutiny among allies that depend on shared sustainment networks.