F-35 Lockheed Martin’s Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is the most widely used fifth-generation stealth aircraft worldwide. On April 1, Norway marked a major milestone by becoming the first nation to receive all its ordered F-35 fighters, solidifying its air power.
Norway Completes Full F-35 Fleet Acquisition
The Joint Program Office (JPO) confirmed Norway’s final delivery of two F-35A Lightning II jets on April 1. This completion brings the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNAF) fleet to 52 operational F-35s, reinforcing Norway’s defense capabilities.
“The F-35 is a powerful tool for strategic deterrence, enhancing alliance-based security and discouraging potential aggression,” said RNAF Col. Egil Soerstroenen, the F-35 JPO Norway National Deputy. “Receiving all 52 F-35 aircraft represents a huge milestone for Norway. We highly value our strong partnership in the program and will continue advancing Norway’s capability alongside other partner nations.”
Purchase Amid Controversy
Norway’s acquisition comes amid growing concerns in Europe regarding potential risks in F-35 operations. Some European countries worry that a return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency could disrupt software updates, making ownership uncertain.
Lockheed Martin has delivered over 1,100 F-35 jets to 20 countries. Despite its cutting-edge technology and widespread adoption, the program continues to face technical issues, readiness concerns, and safety incidents.
Persistent Issues in F-35 Program
The FY2024 Annual Report by the Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E) highlights ongoing software development and testing challenges. The program has struggled to meet timelines for addressing deficiencies and integrating new capabilities.
A key concern is the Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) upgrade, which includes enhanced avionics, improved core processors, and panoramic cockpit displays. Although Lockheed Martin began manufacturing TR-3-configured F-35s in mid-2023, the U.S. government halted deliveries until testing was completed.
After a year-long suspension, JPO Director Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt resumed deliveries in July 2024, stating that the software was stable enough for flight operations. However, TR-3 remains in development, with operational testing not expected until 2026.
Production Delays and Quality Concerns
The DOT&E report notes that Lockheed Martin continues to deliver F-35s with quality flaws. Despite improvements, production issues persist. A U.S. Marine Corps squadron in California recently identified defects in several newly delivered F-35C jets.
Additionally, the F-35 program has failed to meet reliability and maintenance targets set in its original Capabilities Development Document (CDD). “Despite reliability improvements, sustaining these metrics remains a challenge,” the report states.
Readiness and Maintenance Challenges
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report from October 2024 revealed that despite increased maintenance budgets, the U.S. Air Force’s F-35A failed to meet readiness targets. Between 2018 and 2023, the Pentagon spent $12 billion on F-35 maintenance, yet mission capability rates showed only modest improvement.
The report found that the Air Force spent $7.46 billion, the Marine Corps $2.75 billion, and the Navy $1.87 billion on F-35 operations and maintenance. Despite these investments, less than half of the F-35 fleet was deemed combat-ready.
Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt acknowledged these concerns in 2023, revealing that only 53.1% of the U.S. Joint Strike Fighter fleet was operational as of February 2023. Maintenance delays, spare part shortages, and contractor reliance have significantly impacted readiness.
Soaring Costs and Frequent Crashes
Another GAO report in May 2024 highlighted that the F-35’s life cycle cost had exceeded $2 trillion, making it the most expensive military program in history. Meanwhile, its availability rates declined, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
Safety is another pressing issue. The F-35 has been involved in multiple crashes, including a recent incident in Alaska on January 28, where the pilot ejected safely, but the jet was heavily damaged. This marked the third F-35 crash within a year.
Since its inception, the F-35 has been involved in 31 crashes, some of them fatal. Notable incidents include:
- A 2019 crash of a Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A, killing the pilot.
- A 2022 landing accident involving a U.S. Navy F-35C on the Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, injuring seven personnel.
- A May 2024 crash in New Mexico, severely injuring the pilot.
F-35 ’s Strategic Importance in the Indo-Pacific
Despite its setbacks, it remains a cornerstone of NATO and U.S. military strategy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. By 2035, over 300 F-35s are expected to be stationed in the region, operated by Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.
With its advanced stealth technology, the designed is to evade radar detection and conduct covert missions. Its state-of-the-art sensors and communication systems provide real-time intelligence, making it a vital asset in potential conflicts, particularly against China.
Elon Musk’s Criticism and Future Prospects
The DOT&E report was released amid growing criticism from billionaire Elon Musk, who called the F-35 program the “worst military value for money in history.” He argues that the aircraft is outdated and inefficient, advocating for increased investment in drone technology.
In November 2024, Musk stated, “The F-35 was designed to be too many things for too many people, making it a jack of all trades but master of none. Manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones.”
Meanwhile, concerns persist over potential changes in U.S. defense policy. Speculation suggests that if Donald Trump returns to power, he could reconsider or even terminate further F-35 acquisitions.
However, Lockheed Martin and the JPO have committed to addressing these issues. Over the next five years, Lockheed plans to invest $350 million in improving the F-35 program, enhancing capabilities, and boosting efficiency.
Conclusion
Norway’s milestone of acquiring a full fleet of F-35s highlights the aircraft’s strategic importance. However, ongoing technical challenges, cost overruns, and operational concerns continue to raise questions about the program’s long-term viability. Despite these issues, the F-35 remains a critical component of modern air warfare, shaping global defense strategies in the years ahead.
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