Before the Pentagon commits to full-rate production of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, issues surrounding its high production costs must be resolved, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) stated in a report to Congress published this month.
The Defense Department (DoD) is asking Congress to approve $9.8 billion in funding for fiscal year 2019, which begins Oct. 1 and extends through next Sept. 30. It is seeking an additional $10.4 billion annually for the next two decades.
Before Congress agrees to that, GAO stated, the Pentagon should provide a technology assessment, an independent cost estimate, and other actions first.
“The F-35’s current estimated acquisition cost–which includes development and procurement funding–is over $406 billion, making it, by far, DoD’s most costly acquisition program,” the report stated. “While DoD is taking a number of actions to mitigate affordability concerns with the F-35 program, it remains a challenge for the military services and our international partners moving forward.”
The GAO report also urged the plane’s developers to address software-development issues that are hindering production, and noted that even if progress improves, some deficiencies would likely remain unresolved by the time the project moves into full-rate production.
The F-35’s manufacturers need to provide a “solid business case” for the significant amount of money they want, GAO stated. It should include a “complete acquisition program baseline,” and additionally:
* Technology readiness assessments.
* A test and evaluation master plan.
* A system-engineering plan.
* A preliminary design review.
* An approved acquisition strategy.
GAO did note that manufacturers nonetheless have made significant inroads in addressing key issues — particularly in the areas of parts delivery and efficiencies Pratt and Whitney Corp., has instituted in regards to engine production.
The Defense Department largely agreed with GAO’s recommendations.