F-35 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER: Actions Needed to Address Late Deliveries

DOD's F-35 has unique capabilities that make it crucial to U.S. national security. DOD awarded billions to 2 defense contractors to build the aircraft and its engine. In 2024, aircraft deliveries were late by an average of 238 days. To encourage timely delivery, among other things, DOD paid the contractors hundreds of millions in incentives over the last several years. Nonetheless, delivery time frames continued to worsen--but DOD continued to pay incentives. DOD plans to increase production until 2032, despite contractors' inability to keep up with current engine and aircraft deliveries. Our recommendations address these issues, and others.