New Director Takes Reins for F-35 Program at Pivotal Time
New Leadership for the F-35 Program: Lt. Gen. Masiello Faces Challenges
Lt. Gen. Gregory L. Masiello has taken over the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, a role that comes with significant challenges and priorities. The program, valued for its technological edge, is facing a myriad of issues ranging from production contracts and procurement, to technical upgrades and political concerns.
Production Contracts and Procurement
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has proposed a lower budget for 2026, requesting only 47 jets compared to earlier higher numbers. This cautious approach stems from ongoing program issues. However, congressional committees are debating higher figures, indicating political uncertainty around production rates.
International partners like Switzerland are renegotiating pricing amid inflation and tariff pressures. The potential cuts or reassessment of their 36-jet order are due to unresolved pricing disputes with U.S. authorities and tariff impacts, which may raise costs by up to 1.3 billion Swiss francs (~$1.4 billion). Other countries like Spain have reportedly suspended purchase talks, influenced by tariff and cost concerns.
Engine Upgrades and Technical Delays
A prime technical challenge is the progress on the Block 4 upgrade, which includes new software, hardware, weapons, sensors, and processors. Lockheed Martin has faced integration delays, causing schedule slips and cost overruns, impacting buy rates. The U.S. Air Force has explicitly tied procurement volume decisions to resolution of these upgrade issues.
Radar and Stealth Issues
While not detailed explicitly in the current search results, there is ongoing scrutiny around the F-35’s stealth and radar signature. The F-35 remains the most advanced stealth fighter currently fielded, but challenges persist in continually modernizing its sensors and electronic warfare suite to retain superiority in contested environments.
Congressional and Political Concerns
Congressional concerns focus both on program cost control and ensuring the F-35 meets future threat demands. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) is frustrated by ongoing delays and performance issues associated with the F-35's TR-3 upgrade. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.) supports the modernization of the F-35 aircraft capabilities and systems but expresses concern about the program's history of cost growth and schedule delays.
Lt. Gen. Masiello's first order of business is to finalize the details of the Lots 18 and 19 production contracts. A handshake deal on Lots 18 and 19 has been made since last November, but a finalized contract is yet to be announced. The final airframe contract for Lot 18 was initially forecast for spring, but is now expected in summer 2025.
The program can now exercise the Lot 19 option alongside Lot 18 definitization due to Congress passing a full-year continuing resolution. The amendment passed by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) also endorses the "sustained procurement" of the F-35 in future years to recapitalize an aging fighter fleet. Rep. Rogers also directs the Secretaries of Defense, the Air Force, and the Navy to provide a briefing by Feb. 15, 2026, on the future procurement ramp plan for the F-35.
In summary, Lt. Gen. Masiello’s priorities include finalizing production contracts amid fluctuating order volumes and congressional debate, resolving technical integration and upgrade delays especially the Block 4 suite, managing ongoing international procurement controversies tied to pricing and tariffs, and maintaining the F-35’s technological edge in radar and stealth domains. Congressional concerns about cost overruns and capability readiness directly influence procurement decisions, requiring close coordination with DoD, Lockheed Martin, and international partners to stabilize and advance the program.
- Lt. Gen. Masiello needs to finalize the details of the Lots 18 and 19 production contracts, a task that has been pending since last November, as the final airframe contract for Lot 18 is now expected in summer 2025.
- The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has requested only 47 jets for 2026, which is significantly less than earlier budgeted numbers, due to ongoing program issues, but congressional committees are debating higher figures, exhibiting political uncertainties about production rates.
- International partners like Switzerland and Spain are facing pricing and cost concerns, potentially impacting their 36-jet order and purchase talks respectively, due to unresolved pricing disputes and tariff impacts.
- A prime technical challenge is the progress on the Block 4 upgrade, which includes new software, hardware, weapons, sensors, and processors, and has been delayed by Lockheed Martin, causing schedule slips, cost overruns, and delays for the F-35's procurement volume decisions.
- Congressional concerns revolve around ensuring the F-35 meets future threat demands and maintaining control over program costs. Key representatives voice frustration over ongoing delays, performance issues, and cost growth associated with the F-35's TR-3 upgrade.
