Summary Pentagon withholding final F-35 payment until TR-3 update completed TR-3 update includes better software, memory, displays for F-35 Lockheed resumes deliveries after compromise on TR-3, aims to produce 156 jets per year While the advanced F-35 Joint Strike Fighter deliveries may have resumed , the Pentagon is withholding the final $5 million payment for each aircraft. Lockheed will only get the final payment after it has completed the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) update. Issues with the update caused the Pentagon to refuse delivery of the F-35 for a year, with over 100 F-35 jets left parked around Lockheed facilities .
A compromise was finally reached, and Lockheed has resumed deliveries. Pentagon to withhold final F-35 payment The Pentagon is now taking delivery of the F-35 without the TR-3 fully completed. On Thursday, the F-35 Joint Program Office stated that Lockheed must complete the TR-3 for these jets before receiving the final $5 million.
It is likely to take months for the issue to be resolved. Breaking Defense notes, " TR-3 jets delivered for now are reserved for training, and a subsequent software patch expected to enable full combat capability is anticipated next year — though the exact figure for the withholdings was not clear. " "We have coordinated the terms and conditions with Lockheed Martin.
As a portion of the agreement, approximately $5 million per aircraft is being withheld and will be released as combat capability is delivered." - F-35 Joint Pro.