The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, hailed as the future of American airpower, is confronting a storm of criticism. A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report reveals explosive cost increases and a troubling trend of aircraft not being ready to fly when needed.
The GAO report paints a bleak picture. The estimated lifetime cost of purchasing, operating, and maintaining the F-35 fleet has skyrocketed to a staggering $2 trillion, surpassing even the most pessimistic previous estimates of $1.7 trillion. Simultaneously, sustainment costs (ongoing maintenance and repairs) have ballooned 44% since 2018, now totaling $1.58 trillion.
These increases correlate with a concerning decline in the F-35's operational readiness. None of the aircraft's variants – designed for the Air Force, Navy, and Marines – are meeting their target availability goals. This means a significant percentage of fighters are grounded due to maintenance issues or parts shortages.
Adding strain to the budget, the Pentagon now plans to fly F-35s less often than initially projected. For example, expected annual flight hours at "steady state" in the mid-2030s have been slashed by over 20%. While this reduces short-term operating expenses, it suggests less confidence in the aircraft's longevity.
The report underscores a history of performance shortcomings. Previous GAO investigations have consistently found the F-35 failing to meet availability and reliability promises. In 2023, the fighter was reportedly mission-capable only slightly more than half the time.
The Pentagon insists it's seeking ways to reduce costs, but experts warn these efforts are unlikely to reverse the program's trajectory. The GAO report raises urgent questions about the F-35's long-term viability. As costs rise and performance falters, lawmakers may demand more rigorous oversight and accountability for this astronomically expensive weapons system.
