F-35

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program is designed to enhance and deploy a family of aircraft that meet the needs of the Department of Defense (DoD) and allied forces. It includes three variants: the F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL), the F-35B Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL), and the F-35C Carrier Variant (CV). This initiative aims to reduce life cycle costs by promoting commonality among the variants. The program operates as a joint effort, with Service Acquisition Executive authority alternating between the Department of the Navy and the Department of the Air Force, currently held by the Navy.

For FY2025, the primary goal is to procure 42 F-35A aircraft, engines, and associated mission equipment to support production and delivery. This involves addressing non-recurring costs such as tooling for Block 4 capabilities and managing diminishing manufacturing sources. The program also focuses on transitioning from the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) to the Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN), ensuring compatibility with both systems. Depot activation efforts are ongoing to enhance repair capacity for long-term sustainment.

Support costs in FY2025 include fixed expenses and those that fluctuate based on squadron stand-up requirements. These cover procuring airframe, engine, avionics ground support equipment, and training equipment. The program emphasizes establishing depot repair capabilities across U.S. depots, supporting air vehicle modification dock expansion, and enhancing Block 4 depot repair capability. Additionally, resources are allocated for propulsion depot stand-up to meet expanding fleet repair needs.

The F-35 program seeks to maintain global air superiority through advanced aero-performance, stealth features, and superior weaponry. By integrating state-of-the-art technology in avionics and data links, it aims to provide precision targeting under adverse weather conditions while ensuring increased range with internal fuel capacity. The production cost is closely tied to sole-source contracts for air vehicles and propulsion systems, reflecting an interdependent relationship between cost and quantities produced.