JSF STOVL

The JSF STOVL (Joint Strike Fighter Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) program is a major line item in the Department of the Navy's Aircraft Procurement budget, supporting the acquisition and sustainment of the F-35B variant for the U.S. Marine Corps. The primary goal of this program is to deliver advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft that combine stealth, sensor fusion, and expeditionary capabilities, specifically tailored for operations from amphibious ships and austere bases. The F-35B's STOVL capability is central to the Marine Corps' force design, enabling rapid deployment and flexible basing options to support global operations.

For FY 2026, the JSF STOVL line item requests funding for procurement of F-35B aircraft, including associated non-recurring costs, mission equipment, and support requirements. The objectives include maintaining full-rate production capacity, integrating Block 4 hardware upgrades, and addressing Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) through life-of-type buys and engineering redesigns. These efforts ensure that the production line remains capable of delivering aircraft with the latest capabilities while mitigating supply chain risks and reducing long-term costs.

The program also funds ancillary equipment necessary for delivering fully mission-capable aircraft, such as launcher kits, bomb racks, helmet-mounted displays, and pilot flight equipment. In FY 2026, there is a specific increase in costs due to the transition to OLED helmets and TR3 Aircraft Memory System cartridges, reflecting ongoing upgrades to pilot interface and mission systems. These investments support both new squadron stand-ups and operational backfill for fielded squadrons, ensuring readiness and standardization across the fleet.

Another key objective is the transition from the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) to the F-35 Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN), which is a modern logistics and information system designed to improve aircraft sustainment and operational efficiency. FY 2026 funding supports procurement of hardware compatible with both ALIS and ODIN, site activation, and mission planning enterprise upgrades. This transition is critical for maintaining cyber compliance, enhancing data management, and supporting rapid reprogramming capabilities across all Marine Corps F-35B squadrons.

The budget also includes resources for depot activation and sustainment infrastructure, such as equipment and materials to expand repair capacity at U.S. depots, support air vehicle modification docks, and establish Block 4 depot repair capabilities. Funding is provided for propulsion depot stand-up, including module repair activities to meet expanding fleet requirements. These investments are essential for long-term sustainment, cost reduction, and ensuring the operational availability of the F-35B fleet.

The Advance Procurement (AP) component of the JSF STOVL line item is designed to secure long-lead materials and components for future aircraft production lots, specifically for FY2027 and FY2028 deliveries. This includes funding for airframe components, engine hardware, and the new APG-85 radar system, which replaces the APG-81 radar in U.S. F-35 aircraft. Advance procurement enables the program to maintain delivery schedules and achieve time savings for aircraft delivery, which is critical for meeting operational demands and maintaining production efficiency.

The JSF STOVL program's goals and objectives are focused on delivering advanced combat aircraft to the Marine Corps, integrating the latest technological upgrades, ensuring supply chain resilience, and building a robust sustainment infrastructure. The program is managed as a joint effort between the Department of the Navy and Department of the Air Force, with acquisition authority currently residing with the Navy. Through these investments, the JSF STOVL line item supports the Marine Corps' ability to maintain global air superiority, execute expeditionary missions, and adapt to evolving operational requirements.