What Happened
Rising Modernization Costs And Production Strain Test Global Fleet Expansion
The F-35 program is facing significant financial and industrial pressures as it enters a new phase of global expansion. With record deliveries in 2025 and growing international demand, the program is struggling with rising modernization costs, supply-chain disruption, and persistent shortages of spare parts and depot capacity. The US Department of War report highlights the program’s estimated $1.4 trillion lifetime operations and support spending, which may pose long-term financial burdens for the US military and its partners. According to Defence Industry Europe, the program’s complexity and production strain could impact its ability to meet global demand.