Lockheed Martin promises that the TR-3 upgrade capability for the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters is worth the wait

Lockheed Martin has not delivered F-35 Lightning II fighter jets with Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) hardware since the middle of this year, instead sending them into storage. The wait for the resumption is still more than six months, but it's worth it.

Here's What We Know

Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet recently made this announcement. He called completing test flights and resuming deliveries by the middle of next year a manageable risk.

The TR-3 is an advanced technology installation on a highly sophisticated platform. It will provide spoofing defence and anti-jamming capability in an electronic warfare environment. The fighter will be able to perform edge computing like drones or unmanned vehicles.

The TR-3's capabilities will be an order of magnitude higher compared to the TR-2. The upgrade will provide the F-35 Lightning II with digital capabilities that no other aircraft in the world has. The centrepiece of the TR-3 will be a computer, processor and memory upgrade. This will enable the implementation of approximately 85 improvements that will appear in the Block 4 upgrade. These include new sensors, precision weapons, electronic warfare and compatibility with more platforms.

As for delays, they are due to supply chain disruptions, slow software development and late start of test flights. In addition, the US Air Force is using an insufficient number of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets for TR-3 tests. It has not been possible to stick to the set schedule because the service has not thought through all the ways out in case of delays.

Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine