Challenges to F-35 Mission Readiness

In the coming decades, the Department of Defense plans to spend an estimated $1.7 trillion on nearly 2,500 F-35s. Most of the funds will go to operating, maintaining, and repairing the aircraft. DOD faces costly maintenance issues for the F-35, such as:

• Delays setting up military service depots--facilities to complete the most complex repairs
• Inadequate equipment to keep aircraft operational
• Maintenance and supply delays affecting aircraft readiness

Also, while DOD intends to transition more maintenance responsibilities from contractors to the government, it doesn't have a plan to achieve this goal.

Our recommendations address these issues.