The F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin, the lead contractor for the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, announced a significant milestone.
Deliveries of the first F-35s configured under the Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) standard began yesterday. This comes after a series of delays that had put a temporary halt to the aircraft’s release.
Deliveries to the U.S. Air Force
Lockheed Martin delivered two F-35A Lightning II jets to the U.S. Air Force. One fighter was sent to Dannelly Field in Alabama, home of the 187th Fighter Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard.
Two Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning IIs sit on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 5, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joaquin Dela Torre / DVIDS)
The second aircraft was delivered to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. These deliveries mark a crucial step forward for the F-35 program. The TR-3 configuration includes new hardware, software improvements, increased processing capacity, and enhanced computing power.
However, integrating these upgrades caused significant delays in both the flight test campaign and the assembly of new factory aircraft. These delays created storage challenges for Lockheed Martin, as F-35s rolled off the production line without the latest configuration.
Impact on International Users
The delays also affected various international users of the F-35, such as the Royal Danish Air Force. They had to repatriate their Lightning II jets from the U.S. due to the TR-3 configuration delays.
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Zachary Ybarra, F-35B Lightning II pilot, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), performs aerial maneuvers during an airshow demonstration practice at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Aug. 17, 2023. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin / DVIDS)
The F-35 is a crucial weapon system for many countries, and these setbacks raised concerns globally.
The newly delivered F-35s underwent standard government acceptance procedures, including final airworthiness certifications and acceptance flights. These steps are essential to ensure the aircraft are combat-ready and meet the high standards expected by the U.S. Air Force and its allies.
Commitment to Capability Evolution
Bridget Lauderdale, vice president and general manager of the F-35 Program at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the importance of the TR-3 and Block 4 upgrades.
She stated:
“TR-3 and Block 4 represent a critical evolution in capability, and their full development remains a top priority for us. These and other software updates throughout the program’s life will ensure that the F-35 remains effective and the cornerstone of joint operations across all domains now and for decades to come.”
Lieutenant General Mike Schmidt echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the work ahead, saying:
“This is an important first step, and while there is much work to be done, I am confident that our team will work tirelessly to achieve the desired and necessary outcomes that our warfighters, allies, and customers require.”
Looking Ahead
The delivery of the TR-3 configured F-35s is a positive development in a program that has faced its share of challenges.
As Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office continue to address these issues, the focus remains on delivering advanced capabilities to ensure the F-35’s effectiveness in joint operations worldwide. This milestone underscores the ongoing commitment to advancing military technology and maintaining air superiority for the U.S. and its allies.
Conclusion
The arrival of the first F-35 Lightning II jets with the TR-3 configuration is a significant achievement, marking progress in a program that has experienced delays.
With ongoing efforts to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities and ensure its readiness, the F-35 continues to be a cornerstone of modern air warfare. The dedication of Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office to overcoming these challenges highlights their commitment to supporting the warfighters who rely on these advanced systems.
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