The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program is struggling with skyrocketing costs and considerable delays, according to a March 24 report to Congress by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Costs have increased $46 billion and development extended two and a half years, and trends indicate the program runs the risk of more delays and added costs, according to GAO. If that happens, DoD may have to approach Congress for recertification to meet Nunn McCurdy requirements. Presently, DoD hopes to procure as many as 307 planes for a total of $58.2 billion, before flight-testing is completed. Competition for the engine contract could “generate approximately 10.1 to 12.6 percent savings over the life of the program,” the GAO report stated. Real savings will depend on how many planes are purchased, and how many contracts to build engines are awarded to each contractor. Competition could also foster better responsiveness, innovation, and operational readiness among contractors, GAO said.