F-35 program costs soar past $2 trillion as performance falls short.

Key points:

• The F-35 fighter jet program’s lifetime cost is estimated to exceed $2 trillion, up from a 2018 estimate of $1.7 trillion.
• Sustainment costs increased by 44% to $1.58 trillion over the program’s lifetime.
• The Pentagon extended the projected life of the plane to 2088.
• In 2023, the average F-35A was only mission capable about 52% of the time, falling short of the 90% target.
• Engine design flaws causing overheating contribute to maintenance costs and hinder pilot training.
• Efforts to fix engine issues have contributed to rising costs.

Potential implication:

• The F-35 program’s escalating costs and performance issues raise concerns about its effectiveness and value for taxpayers.

Source:

responsiblestatecraft.org/f35-cost/