Lockheed Martin: Doubts about the future of the F-35
– Portugal to cancel purchase of F-35A
– Canada also likely to reconsider purchase of F-35A
Summary from Grandfleet article.
With NGAD loss and hazy future for F-35:
Is the United States a trustworthy partner?
The Trump administration has repeatedly made statements and attitudes that seem to disregard the sovereignty of other countries.
Distrust of the F-35, a symbol of security, is rapidly growing.
1. Portugal has scrapped its seemingly certain purchase of the F-35A.
2. Canada is also likely to reconsider its purchase of the F-35A.
Denmark regrets purchase of the F-35A:
Defense Commission Chairman Rasmus Jarlov made a shocking statement.
・”We regret the introduction of the F-35A.”
・”The F-35A is nothing but a security risk.”
・”Allies should avoid introducing US systems.”
German Chancellor Candidate Merz:
“We will achieve true independence from the US step by step.”
Tom Enders, President of the German Council on Foreign Relations:
1. Germany only bought the expensive F-35 to please the US.
2. No one in Germany needs the F-35.
For now, the interim government is sticking to its policy of “introducing the F-35A.”
UK Stance: Defending the F-35 Introduce:
The UK government defends its position on introducing the F-35.
1. The UK is a participant in the F-35 program and is responsible for 15% of total production.
2. The UK has the advantage of being able to operate the F-35 without US permission.
“Replacement for Typhoon Tranche 1”: Procurement issues
1. The UK is facing a problem of whether to procure F-35 or Tranche 4.
2. Pressure to order Tranche 4 is growing in the Western media.
However, doubts have been expressed about the future of the F-35.
Lockheed Martin’s future in doubt: Breaking Defense:
At this stage, the US Air Force plans to procure 1,763 F-35s.
1. However, Lockheed Martin lost out in the Air Force’s NGAD = F-47 program.
2. It has also dropped out of the US Navy’s F/A-XX procurement race.
Bank of America, Melius, and RBC Capital have downgraded Lockheed’s investment rating from “buy” to “neutral.”
High annual maintenance costs for F-35:
By 2036, the number of F-35s in operation will reach its peak.
1. The annual operating cost per aircraft needs to be reduced to $3.7 million (47%).
2. The US Air Force will bear an additional $9.3 billion (an increase of $4.4 billion) in annual operating costs for the F-35A.
This will take away funds from other programs, reducing the combat capability and readiness of the US Air Force.
Completion date of Block 4 is unknown: US Air Force Lt. General Schmidt:
The completion date of Block 4 components (software, TR3, F135EEP, power and cooling systems, etc.) is still unknown.
1. Many of the capabilities planned for Block 4 will not be realized until the 2030s.
2. As a result, the US has decided to restructure Block 4 itself.
The practical use of the FQ-42A and FQ-44A is also imminent (at least 1,000 aircraft will be procured).
Number of F-35As to be procured: expected to be reduced in the future
Increasing operating costs and development delays for the F-35A have caused the budget to exceed stringent limits.
It is unclear when Block 4 will be completed, and it is expected that the number of F-35As to be procured will be reduced.