The fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, which will cost $1.7 trillion, are only ready to fly 55% of the time

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has again published a report that puts the F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter programme in a bad light. The aircraft can fly for barely more than half the required time.

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The GAO report highlights persistent maintenance deficiencies in the F-35 fighter fleet. As of March, the average readiness level is 55%. This is well below the target of 85-90% depending on the version of the aircraft.

The U.S. Marine Corps, which recently lost one F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing fighter, wants to achieve an 85% readiness level. However, in fiscal year 2022, it was 55 per cent.

The US Department of Defence and the military services need to significantly improve maintenance base capacity as the F-35 fleet will only grow. Lockheed Martin has already built approximately 1,000 fifth-generation fighters, and a total of more than 3,000 aircraft will be produced for US and foreign customers. The entire programme is expected to cost $1.7 trillion.

Source: Bloomberg