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Massive Investment Targets F-35 Readiness Shortfalls
Defense giant Lockheed Martin is making a major $1 billion investment to address critical repair capacity and spare parts shortages that have plagued its F-35 Lightning II fighter jet program. The announcement came during the company's annual results presentation on January 29, where CEO James Taiclet revealed plans to significantly improve operational readiness across the global F-35 fleet.
'This is an absolute priority, and we're working closely with the U.S. Department of Defense to address what has been an unfortunate shortage of spare parts and repair capacity,' Taiclet told analysts during the earnings call. 'We expect this investment to improve the operational availability of the entire fleet.'
Addressing Years of Underfunding
The investment comes after what Taiclet described as years of underfunding for spare parts and repair infrastructure. Despite delivering a record 191 F-35s in 2025, Lockheed Martin struggled to scale its service operations to match the growing fleet size. The company expects to produce 156 aircraft annually in the coming years, making the sustainment challenge even more pressing.
According to FlightGlobal, this marks the second major internal investment by Lockheed Martin, bringing total company spending on F-35 readiness improvements to at least $2 billion. The additional funding will also support future Block 4 capability enhancements for the advanced stealth fighter.
Global Fleet Implications
The F-35 program involves multiple international partners, including the Netherlands which currently operates 47 F-35A aircraft stationed at Leeuwarden and Volkel air bases, plus additional aircraft at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. The Royal Netherlands Air Force has ordered 57 aircraft total and recently achieved Full Operational Capability with its fleet.
Recent Pentagon reports have highlighted ongoing readiness challenges, with F-35 availability averaging only 50% in 2024 - falling 17% below minimum requirements. The Air Force and Marine Corps fleets have seen mission-capable rates drop below 50% in some cases, creating operational concerns for the world's most advanced fighter program.
Financial Performance and Future Outlook
Lockheed Martin reported strong financial results alongside the investment announcement, with 2025 revenue reaching $75 billion and operating profit of $6.7 billion. The company's order backlog grew for the fourth consecutive year, reaching $194 billion by year-end.
The F-35 program represents a cornerstone of allied air power, with the U.S. planning to purchase 2,456 aircraft through 2044. The aircraft is expected to remain in service until 2070, making sustainment investments crucial for long-term operational effectiveness. As global security challenges intensify, improving F-35 readiness has become both a strategic imperative and a business necessity for Lockheed Martin and its international partners.
