F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

The F-35 program continues to face major setbacks as modernization delays and supply chain challenges push critical upgrades years past original timelines. Technology Refresh 3 and Block 4 capabilities are behind schedule, causing the Department of Defense to accept non-combat-capable aircraft while contractors deliver engines and planes hundreds of days late. Despite these delays, contractors have still earned substantial incentive fees, revealing misaligned accountability in contract structures. The GAO highlights that without better tracking and stronger oversight, risks, costs, and schedule disruptions will persist across the fleet.