The Air Force's F-35 Fighter Nightmare Is Getting Very Real

Summary and Key Points: The F-35 Lightning II, the most advanced combat aircraft from Lockheed Martin, is facing significant delays due to technological and manpower issues with the TR-3 software update. This update is crucial for enhancing the jet's capabilities and integrating more advanced weapon systems.

-The delay has forced Lockheed Martin to store produced jets, potentially exceeding 100 aircraft, instead of delivering them. This bottleneck also impacts the major Block 4 upgrade.

-The operational readiness of air forces using the F-35, such as Denmark's, is being compromised, leading to adjustments in deployment and training plans.

The F-35 Has a Software Update Problem 

The F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet is the most advanced combat aircraft in the sky today. Made by the U.S. defense and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, the fifth-generation aircraft is at the tip of the spear of the U.S. Air Force and most NATO air forces.

However, an ongoing technological issue is seriously delaying the production and delivery of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and threatens to derail the whole timeline.

Specifically, the TR-3 software update, which will improve the capabilities of the stealth fighter jets and allow it to equip more advanced weapon systems, is behind schedule because of technological and manpower issues.

As a result, Lockheed Martin produces aircraft but is forced to store them in hangars rather than deliver them. Although the defense and aerospace giant hasn’t provided an exact number of aircraft in storage, the number could reach over 100 F-35 fighter jets by the time the problem is solved.

To make matters worse, the major Block 4 upgrade can’t move forward until the TR-3 issue is fixed.

With more than fifteen air forces around the world flying the F-35, the delays are causing operational problems.

The Operational Effect

As expected, the delay is affecting operations across the world. For example, the Royal Danish Air Force announced that it will be shipping six fighter jets currently stationed in the United States to Denmark.

“The decision to repatriate combat aircraft makes it possible to increase the training level of pilots and support personnel at the Fighter Wing in Skrydstrup, while pilot training at Luke Air Force Base can continue,” the Danish Ministry of Defense stated.

Initially, it was planned that the aircraft would undergo the TR-3 update before flying to Denmark. But the repeated delays around the software forced the Danish Air Force to cut its losses.

Lockheed Martin has indicated that the TR-3 update will roll out this summer. However, it will be a restricted version of the software that can solely be used for training.

“The F-35 fighter jets are a major investment for Denmark, which will be important for our defense and security for many years to come, and it is absolutely crucial that we follow the phasing in closely,” the Danish Minister of Defense added.

Denmark has purchased around thirty F-35A fighter jets and has received ten of the TR-2 configuration. Of those ten aircraft, four are operational in Denmark and the other six have been based in the United States for training. It is those six stealth fighter jets that Denmark is repatriating. Copenhagen expects to receive the complete complement of aircraft by 2027.

However, the ongoing delays with the TR-3 software update will likely derail that timeline.

Denmark is just one of the countries flying or interested in the F-35 that are facing increasingly more complex operational calculations over the TR-3 delay. We might be at peace, but the condition of the most advanced stealth fighter jet in the world is a national security issue of the utmost importance and needs to be resolved as soon as possible.

About the Author: 

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.