The Department of Defense inspector general's audit, cited by Bloomberg, found U.S. F-35 jets were mission-capable about 50% of the time in 2024 due to maintenance and sustainment shortcomings linked to Lockheed Martin. The report says the Pentagon did not consistently hold the contractor accountable and paid roughly $1.7 billion without economic adjustments despite reduced availability. Lockheed Martin did not immediately comment.
Pentagon Watchdog: F-35s Mission‑Capable About 50% in 2024; Lockheed Faulted Over Maintenance
Lockheed Martin logo is seen in this illustration taken July 26, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Dec 23 (Reuters) — A U.S. government watchdog told Bloomberg News that F-35 fighter jets were mission-capable for only about 50% of the time in 2024, citing sustainment and maintenance shortfalls tied to prime contractor Lockheed Martin.
Audit Findings
The audit, based on findings from the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General, attributed the low availability rate in part to the Pentagon's inconsistent enforcement of contract accountability for Lockheed Martin's F-35 sustainment performance. Inspectors found the jets failed to meet minimum military service requirements and were unavailable to fly roughly half the time.
The report also states the Pentagon paid Lockheed roughly $1.7 billion without applying any economic adjustment, despite the shortfall in aircraft availability. The audit raises concerns about the effectiveness of current oversight and contract enforcement mechanisms for the F-35 program.
Implications And Response
Lower-than-expected availability of a frontline fighter has potential implications for force readiness and operational planning, prompting questions about whether additional oversight, contractual remedies or remedial sustainment actions are needed. Lockheed Martin did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Source: Bloomberg News, based on the DoD Office of the Inspector General audit.
Reporting by Abhinav Parmar in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona.
