Asia-Pacific nations that operate the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter are attentively monitoring Lockheed Martin’s progress with the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrade package, which has faced delays, causing delivery setbacks and operational capability adjustments.
Lockheed Martin, the American aerospace giant, has paused F-35 deliveries as it works to finalize the TR-3 software suite, designed to enhance the aircraft’s data storage, processing, and overall mission system avionics.
This upgrade is also a precursor to the more comprehensive Block 4 upgrade.
According to a spokesperson from the Australian Defence Department, the issues related to the TR-3 have caused significant concern in Washington but have not impacted Australia’s “existing F-35A fleet.”
The Royal Australian Air Force is currently experiencing challenges due to delays in the delivery of nine remaining F-35As.
This delay is having a ripple effect on the attainment of final operational capability, as stated by the Australian defense spokesperson, which mandates the delivery of all 72 aircraft.
The government anticipates that all aircraft will be delivered “by 2024-25,” suggesting that the symbolic achievement of final operational capability may extend into the subsequent year, surpassing the initial goal.
“The RAAF remains in close collaboration with the U.S. F-35 Joint Program Office regarding the final delivery of the F-35A Lightning aircraft for the RAAF,” mentioned the spokesperson.
South Korea is unlikely to be affected by the TR-3 delay since it had already acquired 40 F-35A fighters between 2018 and 2021. Moreover, in December, Seoul secured an additional 20 F-35As in the Block 4 variant, with deliveries set to commence in 2027.
By 2027, a maintenance, repair, and overhaul depot in Cheongju Air Base will be operational in South Korea, reducing the country’s dependency on Australia for extensive F-35 maintenance.
Singapore’s defense plans also appear insulated from immediate TR-3 concerns, with deliveries of four F-35Bs ordered in 2020 scheduled for 2026, and an additional eight F-35Bs expected in 2028.
Moreover, Singapore recently announced the acquisition of eight F-35As for delivery starting from 2030.
Japan, as another significant customer with orders for 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, has received nearly 40 F-35As and operates its final assembly and checkout facility.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has highlighted that the TR-3 delay has created a backlog of undelivered aircraft that may take about a year to clear.
Lockheed Martin and the Defense Contract Management Agency plan to increase the acceptance rate to an average of 20 jets a month, including both parked jets at Lockheed’s facilities and aircraft fresh off the line .
Relevant articles:
– F-35 customers in Asia-Pacific monitor Lockheed upgrade saga from afar, Defense News
– 35s could take a year to clear: GAO, Breaking Defense