Pentagon Watchdog Blames Lockheed for Poor F-35 Maintenance (1)

The US fleet of F-35s, the most sophisticated stealth fighter jet in the world, was only available to fly half of the time because of poor maintenance by Lockheed Martin Corp., a government watchdog said.

The average availability rate of F-35s throughout fiscal year 2024 was just 50% partly because the Pentagon “did not consistently hold Lockheed Martin accountable for poor performance related to F-35 sustainment,” according to a report from the Defense Department’s Office of the Inspector General.

While “the aircraft were not available to fly half of the time” and the maintenance meant the jets didn’t meet ...