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GAO: F-35 readiness slips; Pentagon faces $13.7B extra sustainment bill through 2031

A GAO review found the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s full mission capable rate fell to just 25% in FY25, with 2025 readiness further degrading as spare parts shortages and other sustainment troubles hinder maintenance. To raise availability, the Pentagon says it needs an additional $13.7 billion through 2031.

Discovered 2026-06-11T07:13:53.976109-07:00 | 2026-06-11T07:13:53.976109-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • The F-35’s full mission capable rate reportedly dropped to 25% in FY25, signaling sustainment and spares constraints are worsening operational availability despite ongoing program investments.
  • The Pentagon’s stated need for an additional $13.7 billion through 2031 ties readiness outcomes directly to near- and mid-term budget execution, affecting multiyear procurement and sustainment tradeoffs (see Sen. Budd pushes NDAA-backed multi-year buys for F-35 and F-15EX plus pilot retention measures).
  • Watchdog findings on readiness drivers (notably spare parts shortages) highlight where schedule risk and cost pressure are likely to concentrate across the sustainment enterprise, not just in aircraft production.

Reported By

avweb.com aviationnews.eu nationalsecurityjournal.org Aviation A2Z news.ssbcrack.com Navy Times
Sources Tracked
17
First Seen
2026-06-11T07:13:53.976109-07:00
Latest Update
2026-06-17T08:48:15.451316-07:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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