The War Zone reached out to Lockheed Martin to inquire about the status of F-35 deliveries, including the landmark 1,000th unit. The company provided the following statement:
"We continue to produce F-35s at rate and have jets in various stages of the final production process. Once these jets receive the necessary TR-3 hardware and final TR-3 software is available, they will continue through the production process, including parking, until they are delivered."
This statement sheds light on the situation where despite continuous production, the aircraft are not being handed over to customers but rather stored in company warehouses due to the US Air Force's reluctance to accept them for service.
This delay can be attributed to the ongoing project to upgrade the aircraft to Block 4, specifically focusing on its hardware and software enhancement known as Technology Refresh 3 or TR-3. Unfortunately, TR-3 is currently a year behind its original schedule.
The demand for the F-35 has reached unprecedented levels due to recent geopolitical events and evolving threats, leading to a surge in orders. For both new and existing customers placing additional orders, receiving TR-3-equipped jets with potential Block 4 capabilities holds significant value. These aircraft will be more mature, offering expanded capabilities and growth potential compared to previous versions.
Block 4 enhancements encompass a wide range of features, including substantially increased processing power, new displays, improved cooling, upgraded EOTS and DAS electro-optical sensors, as well as an array of additional weaponry, unlocking the F-35's full potential. Most notably, the new radar and electronic warfare suite are expected to provide the most significant advantage, according to the top uniformed officer of the Air Combat Command.
Source: The War Zone
