Only a quarter of US F-35s were fully mission-capable last year as maintenance and parts problems dragged down readiness, watchdog reports

The latest report on F-35 readiness is more than just another data point in the Pentagon’s long-running struggles with the Joint Strike Fighter—it’s a stark reminder that even the most expensive weapons system in history cannot outrun the logistical and industrial challenges that have dogged it since its inception. The disclosure that only a quarter of U.S. F-35s were fully mission-capable in 2023 underscores a systemic issue: the aircraft’s advanced design has consistently outpaced the infrastructure needed to sustain it. The stealth fighter’s maintenance regime is notoriously complex, requiring specialized training, rare parts, and a global supply chain that has been slow to mature. These problems are not new, but their persistence speaks to deeper failures in how the Pentagon manages its most critical programs—failures that risk eroding confidence in the U.S. military’s ability to project power reliably. The F-35 was sold as a transformative asset, a fifth-generation fighter that would replace a fleet of older jets while serving as the backbone of allied air forces for decades. Yet its readiness woes reflect broader trends in defense acquisition, where cost overruns and schedule delays have become the norm rather than the exception. The program’s struggles also highlight the pitfalls of over-reliance on a single platform. With the fleet aging and parts shortages persisting, the question now is whether the F-35’s operational limitations will force the Pentagon to accelerate alternatives—or whether it will double down on a program that, despite its flaws, remains indispensable. Looking ahead, the path forward is uncertain. Congress may push for stricter oversight, but real solutions will require long-term investments in maintenance depots, spare part production, and pilot training—areas that have seen chronic underfunding. Meanwhile, allies dependent on the F-35 may reconsider their own fleet plans, potentially accelerating their own modernization efforts. The broader defense industry, too, is watching closely, as the F-35’s woes could reshape procurement strategies for years to come. In an era of great-power competition, the readiness of America’s premier fighter jet is more than a technical issue—it’s a strategic one.