A harsh new report by the US Government Accountability Office, published on June 11, 2026, says the F-35 stealth fighter, the Pentagon’s flagship aircraft, is in deep trouble. Mission readiness has fallen from 67% to 44% in four years, and full mission-capable rates have dropped to just 25%, according to the audit.
The report blames chronic shortages of critical spare parts, recurring software failures, and serious corrosion problems, which have left dozens of aircraft grounded at bases across the United States. The F-35 is described as the most expensive and advanced weapon system in military history, yet its real-world performance now contrasts sharply with that image.
To try to stabilize the program, the Joint Program Office is promoting a five-year emergency plan called “Global Support Solution Reset.” It would require an additional $13.7 billion and needs approval from Congress. The GAO warned that readiness could worsen further before any improvement appears.
Security officials are warning that higher operational tempo, including recent operations against Iran, could leave the F-35 fleet completely paralyzed by 2027. The jet is a core element of US deterrence and strike power. Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney, the main contractors, say they are struggling to provide about 45 critical assemblies, including engine parts, advanced avionics, and structural components, despite major investment in production upgrades. The report also notes that similar industrial disputes recently led France and Germany to cancel the $116 billion FCAS sixth-generation fighter project.
