U.S. Defense Department Plans Major Cut in F-35A Fighter Jet Purchases for 2026
Pentagon shifts focus amid tech delays and strategic reprioritization, reducing Air Force orders by nearly half.
The U.S. Department of Defense is planning a significant cut in the number of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets to be acquired for the Air Force (USAF) in its fiscal year 2026 budget. According to preliminary budget documents, the request will be limited to 24 aircraft, down nearly 50% from the 44 units approved in the previous cycle.
This adjustment is part of a broader realignment within the Pentagon’s procurement strategy, aiming to free up funding for other high-priority programs and weapon systems. In total, the request across all F-35 variants includes 47 aircraft: 12 F-35Cs for the Navy and 11 F-35Bs (short takeoff and vertical landing, STOVL) for the Marine Corps.
According to Bloomberg, the decision comes at a challenging time for the F-35 program. Delays continue to plague the rollout of Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3)—a key avionics and processing upgrade essential for enabling future Block 4 capabilities. These enhancements include new weapons integration, improved electronic warfare systems, and advanced target recognition. Industry sources, such as Breaking Defense, cite these technological hurdles as a central reason behind delivery rescheduling and procurement delays.
The F-35A budget cut will allow the Pentagon to reallocate approximately $3.6 billion. A portion of these funds will be directed toward acquiring more F-15EX Eagle II fighters—an advanced fourth-generation platform—and boosting precision munitions stockpiles, signaling a shift in immediate strategic priorities.
Lockheed Martin, the aircraft’s manufacturer, is also facing delays in finalizing contracts for upcoming production lots (Lots 18 and 19), adding further complexity to delivery timelines for both U.S. and international clients. The F-35 program is being closely watched by allies such as Canada, which recently experienced a rise in projected costs for its own fleet.
In Summary
Why is the F-35 purchase being reduced? The cut is due to budgetary reprioritization within the Pentagon, aimed at funding other defense programs. It is also influenced by delays in the critical TR-3 technology upgrades affecting the F-35 program.
What is the TR-3 upgrade? Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) is a crucial update to the F-35’s hardware and software, adding new processors and memory systems to significantly boost the jet’s computing power. It is a prerequisite for enabling the upcoming Block 4 capabilities.
Does this affect other countries? While the reduction applies specifically to the U.S. Air Force, ongoing delays in the F-35’s development and modernization may impact delivery schedules and costs for international partners in the program.
This move highlights the tension between maintaining air superiority with fifth-generation platforms and confronting the realities of budget constraints and technological development. While the F-35 remains a cornerstone of future air combat capabilities for NATO and its allies, U.S. defense planners are adopting a balanced approach, combining investment in next-generation systems with reinforcement of proven, immediately available assets. The USAF maintains its long-term commitment to the F-35 but is adjusting its acquisition pace while waiting for the platform to reach its full technological maturity with the Block 4 upgrades.
AUTOR
Desde 2017, haciendo periodismo aeronáutico. Award-Winning Journalist: Ganador de la edición 2023 de "Periodismo de Altura", otorgado por ALTA. Facts don't care about your feelings.
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