Summary US Air Force reducing F-35 purchases in 2026-2027 due to waiting on TR-3 suite from Lockheed Martin. Only 25 new F-35As will be fielded in 2026 due to TR-3 delivery issues and integration challenges. TR-3 vital for F-35A fleet for carrying more weapons, improved sensor integration, and electronic warfare.
The United States Air Force is planning on reducing annual purchases of F-35 Lightning IIs (aka Panthers) in 2026 and 2027 to wait on Lockheed Martin to deliver a full Tech Refresh 3 (TR 3) suite and eventually a Block 4 version with increased capabilities. A recently declassified report for President Joe Biden’s proposed 2025 has indicated a decrease in US Air Force F-35 purchases to help get the latest technology into the F-35A. Operational Fielding Plan for F-35s Still Growing As Air & Space Forces Magazine reported on September 7 , a review of operational fielding plans shows a comprehensive plan for F-35A fleet growth.
While 57 new F-35As will be fielded in 2025, only 25 are planned to be in 2026. As previously documented by Simple Flying, the primary reason is issues delivering and integrating TR-3 . A US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report finds F-35 production is facing serious headwinds.
Read for details. As such, the space to securely store F-35s waiting for TR-3—even a truncated version that’s passed testing for flight safety—is decreasing. Additionally, the US Air Force will need to absorb the F-35As placed in storage, which will require.