Key tests for latest F-35s will begin in 2026, two years after rollout

An vital collection of checks for the most recent upgrades to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will seemingly not start till two years after these jets began hitting the sector — and not less than three years following their unique due date.

The Workplace of the Director, Operational Take a look at and Analysis stated in its annual report, submitted to Congress on Jan. 31, that devoted operational checks for the F-35’s Know-how Refresh 3, or TR-3, upgrades will most likely begin in mid to late fiscal 2026, or round subsequent summer season. These checks are supposed to find out whether or not TR-3 is operationally efficient.

Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, the army’s F-35 program government officer, stated in an announcement to Protection Information that as of January, Lockheed Martin has delivered greater than 100 TR-3 outfitted fighters. All of these jets have software program permitting its pilots to conduct coaching flights, together with fight coaching.

“We’re aggressively implementing complete check plans to make sure this vital improve delivers cutting-edge capabilities to the warfighter,” Schmidt stated. “The F-35 [Joint Program Office] stays centered on working by identified dangers to ship TR-3 fight functionality in 2025. The potential will proceed to be improved in future heaps to make sure warfighters have what they should win in future conflicts.”

An official with data of the operational check program for the F-35, who spoke about this system on the situation of anonymity, stated that beginning operational testing subsequent 12 months wouldn’t delay the fielding of the most recent jets.

“It’s not unusual for fielding choices to return earlier than operational testing is full,” the official stated.

The Workplace of the Director, Operational Take a look at and Analysis stated the TR-3 checks can’t start till its software program is secure and plane modifications, flight check devices and open-air battle shaping capabilities are in place. But when these methods and software program are matured and in place before anticipated, testing might begin earlier, the workplace stated.

The delayed launch of the TR-3 checks is the most recent in a collection of setbacks for the Lockheed Martin-made fighter, which have induced efforts to modernize this system to slide additional behind.

TR-3 is a set of enhancements to the F-35′s {hardware} and software program, which embrace higher shows, pc reminiscence and processing energy. TR-3 was initially set to be launched in April 2023, however software program issues and integration difficulties stalled this system.

The Pentagon refused to simply accept deliveries of the most recent F-35s till July 2024, when an interim model of the TR-3 software program that enables the jets to conduct coaching flights was accomplished.

However the TR-3-enabled F-35s can’t but perform fight missions. And whereas the F-35 Joint Program Workplace nonetheless hopes to have the jets fight prepared in 2025, the timeline would possibly slip additional. In a January earnings name, Lockheed Chief Monetary Officer Jay Malave stated the work won’t be completed till early 2026.

The delays in TR-3 are additionally having cascading results on subsequent enhancements to the F-35 – significantly one other modernization program known as Block 4 – which is meant to permit the jet to hold extra weapons, higher acknowledge targets and enhance its digital warfare capabilities.

The Workplace of the Director, Operational Take a look at and Analysis criticized the F-35 program’s lack of progress in rolling out obligatory software program.

“The F-35 program has proven no enchancment in assembly schedule and efficiency timelines for growing and testing software program designed to handle deficiencies and add new capabilities,” the workplace’s annual report stated.