Lockheed F-35 readiness plunges to 25%, as operating costs soar

A U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released June 11 warns of deteriorating F-35 fighter jet readiness.

The aircraft's full mission capable rate dropped from 38% to 25% between fiscal year 2021 and 2025. Only one-quarter of the fleet can currently perform all assigned missions.

Projected operating costs exceed affordability targets by billions of dollars. This presents a significant challenge for the Pentagon's most expensive weapons program.

The findings cast doubt on the Department of Defense's sustainment strategy for the backbone of U.S. and allied air power. The decline affects prime contractor Lockheed Martin and its extensive network of suppliers.