Pentagon Weapon Tester’s Report Highlights F-35 Availability Problems Written 17 March 2022
An F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing | U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt John Nimmo Sr.; Wikipedia; Public Domain
Air Force Times reports that a newly revealed Pentagon weapons tester’s report illustrates multiple issues with the F-35 in 2021, particularly in areas of availability rates and new software problems. The F-35 fleet “averaged 61% availability, below its target of 65%,” throughout 2021. Out of the “average 39% unavailable at any given time, 15% were down for maintenance, 16% were waiting on spare parts and another 8% were undergoing depot maintenance.”
Full Story (Air Force Times)