A recent report from the Pentagon’s test office found the F-35 program is still struggling to develop and test software, highlighting persistent challenges.
The program “has shown no improvement in meeting schedule and performance timelines for developing and testing software designed to address deficiencies and add new capabilities,” according to the annual Operation Test and Evaluation report, released Jan. 31.
Development issues have plagued Technology Refresh-3, a software and hardware upgrade vital for Block 4 improvements. Originally slated to be ready in April 2023, the upgrade has been delayed multiple times, and officials have been hesitant to nail down a date for full combat capability. Software challenges led the Pentagon to pause Lockheed jet deliveries for a year. And while deliveries have since resumed, the new planes have a “truncated” version of TR-3.
DOT&E said the program “cannot simultaneously work out solutions” to fix software problems on the current TR-2 systems while also developing the software needed to operate the upgraded TR-3 avionics.
Delays in TR-3 development have also impacted plans to retrofit existing TR-2 jets with new capabilities.
“Challenges added with the TR-3 avionics upgrades, both in development and testing, have caused additional delays to the planned schedules for delivering capabilities in Block 4 for the aircraft in the TR-2 configuration,” the report said.
Additionally, the report found the F-35 Joint Program Office has not “adequately planned” for combat testing of TR-3, and that full “operational testing” of TR-3 won’t happen until next year.
“DOT&E assesses that dedicated operational testing of these aircraft will not occur until mid to late fiscal year 2026, approximately two years after the configuration began delivery to the field,” the report said.
While operational testing is being pushed to 2026, weapons programs can begin fielding systems before completing full operational testing, so it’s possible that TR-3 combat capability could still be deployed this year.
“The F-35 JPO remains focused on working through known risks to deliver TR-3 combat capability in 2025. The capability will continue to be improved in future lots to ensure warfighters have what they need to win in future conflicts,” according to a statement from F-35 Program Executive Officer Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt.
Beyond software and testing delays, the DOT&E report also identified quality defects in jets coming off Lockheed’s production line, and called for more extensive testing to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities across the fleet.
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