The F-35 is undeniably the best 5th-gen fighter, but the DoD is struggling with the high price of maintaining it. While it boasts a stellar combat capability, the program requires intense, ongoing management to resolve maintenance and parts shortages. Specific pilot safety issues mentioned in audits? Production schedules for future batches (lots)? Video - F-35 JPO 2024 Year In Review

Some measures of reliability have shown stagnation or even reversal.

It is the choice for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Marines, and 19 allied nations.

Nearly 1,300 are operational with over 1 million flight hours.

Widely considered the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter ever built.

Persistent issues with engine production and lack of spare parts have hindered availability.

The cost of the F-35A model has decreased to roughly , a strong value for its advanced capabilities. The Bad: Sustainment and Quality Issues Skyrocketing Sustainment Costs: Projected to reach trillion by 2023, a increase over 2018 projections.

Mp4: Dod (35)

The F-35 is undeniably the best 5th-gen fighter, but the DoD is struggling with the high price of maintaining it. While it boasts a stellar combat capability, the program requires intense, ongoing management to resolve maintenance and parts shortages. Specific pilot safety issues mentioned in audits? Production schedules for future batches (lots)? Video - F-35 JPO 2024 Year In Review

Some measures of reliability have shown stagnation or even reversal. Dod (35) mp4

It is the choice for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Marines, and 19 allied nations. The F-35 is undeniably the best 5th-gen fighter,

Nearly 1,300 are operational with over 1 million flight hours. Production schedules for future batches (lots)

Widely considered the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter ever built.

Persistent issues with engine production and lack of spare parts have hindered availability.

The cost of the F-35A model has decreased to roughly , a strong value for its advanced capabilities. The Bad: Sustainment and Quality Issues Skyrocketing Sustainment Costs: Projected to reach trillion by 2023, a increase over 2018 projections.