Watchdog blasts Lockheed Martin for F-35 maintenance failures

A critical Pentagon watchdog report has faulted defense contractor Lockheed Martin for maintenance failures that left U.S. F-35 fighter jets mission-ready only around 50% of the time in 2024. The report from the Department of Defense's Office of the Inspector General, released in December, highlights significant lapses in oversight and accountability for the program.

Lax oversight and lack of accountability

The investigation concluded that the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), which manages the trillion-dollar aircraft program, failed to adequately oversee contractor performance. The report states the office "did not always hold Lockheed Martin accountable for poor performance," as it did not include specific aircraft readiness targets or enforce inspection and reporting requirements in its 2024 sustainment contract.

Payment made despite unmet requirements

A key finding is that the Pentagon paid Lockheed Martin approximately $1.7 billion without any financial penalties or adjustments, even though the F-35 jets "did not meet the minimum requirements" set by the U.S. military services. This payment was made under an air vehicle sustainment contract awarded in June 2024.

Implications for the Pentagon's costliest program

The F-35 program is the Defense Department's most expensive acquisition initiative, with a projected lifetime cost exceeding $2 trillion for procurement, operations, and sustainment. The report's findings raise serious questions about cost control and performance management for a jet that forms the backbone of future U.S. and allied air power.