Lockheed Martin will continue supplying F-35 TR-2 fighters and intends to resume supply of F-35 TR-3 by the end of 2023
The first F-35 fifth-generation fighter jet with Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) hardware will roll off the assembly line next month, but it will go into storage as deliveries will be suspended. Lockheed Martin has commented on the situation.
Here's What We Know
Lockheed Martin has published a small press release on its official website. The message is less than 50 words. The statement says that the company is fully committed to supplying fifth generation fighters of TR-3 level.
The manufacturer will continue to work with the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) on software development, maintaining "the highest level of safety and quality". The statement also said Lockheed Martin will continue to supply customers with fifth-generation TR-2 level fighters.
The TR-3 upgrade was expected to be ready by April this year. The Pentagon now plans to resume deliveries next April. That said, Lockheed Martin wants to resolve the TR-3 by the end of 2023.
Source: Lockheed Martin