Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Khatib: We will reveal the documents soon.
Khatib: The operation was carried out some time ago, but we preferred to delay announcing the news to ensure the operation’s safety.
Khatib: We are refraining from revealing the methods used to transfer the documents at this time.
Khatib: The methods used to transfer the documents into Iran are just as important as the documents themselves.
Minister Khatib: We obtained additional documents that enhance Iran’s offensive capabilities.
Minister Khatib: We obtained complete nuclear documents and documents concerning “Israel’s” relations with Western countries and the United States.
Minister Khatib: What we obtained is truly a highly important intelligence treasure, strategically, operationally, and practically.
Minister Khatib: What happened is a very significant intelligence event, and it cannot be reduced to merely obtaining thousands of documents.
Minister Khatib: The documents we acquired were safely transferred to Iran.
Minister Khatib: The Ministry of Intelligence has obtained a treasure trove of strategic, operational, and tactical information.

F-35 costs soar by $44bln amid technical complications: Report

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 13 Dec 2023 12:07
  • 3 Shares
3 Min Read

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program faces a dire situation exacerbated by several factors, including unexpected engine wear issues.

  • x
  • Visitors look at a full-size replica model of a Lockheed Martin multirole fighter F35 during Farnborough International Air Show, Farnborough, England, Monday, July 14, 2014 (AP)
    Visitors look at a full-size replica model of a Lockheed Martin multirole fighter F35 during Farnborough International Air Show, Farnborough, England, Monday, July 14, 2014 (AP)

A recent report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) showed that the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, after 18 years of development and deployment, is grappling with soaring costs, unforeseen delays, and technical complications.

The GAO's report revealed that the costs of the F-35 program have skyrocketed by at least $44 billion, further exacerbating concerns about its financial sustainability. Top officials overseeing the project confirmed to Congress that new delays continue to emerge, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Notably, the report pointed to unanticipated challenges affecting the aircraft's engine. The report notes that overheating puts strain on the engine. 

"Extra heat is increasing the wear on the engine, reducing the engine's life, and adding a projected $38 billion in maintenance costs over the life of the aircraft," the GAO report read.

Furthermore, the ambitious $10 billion Block 4 program, designed to modernize the F-35 and enhance its capabilities to counter challenges from major peer competitor countries such as Russia and China, faces further setbacks. The GAO warned that the program will now cost 60% more than its original hefty price tag.

Related News

US loses $100mln jet, finds debris near airbase in South Carolina

Turkey receiving neither fighter jets nor refund from US: Erdogan

During a House Armed Services subcommittee hearing, Department of Defense F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) US Air Force Lieutenant General Michael Schmidt, the Director of the Department of Defense F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), admitted uncertainty regarding the resolution timeline for the $1.6 billion Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) cockpit electronics software upgrade. This upgrade, responsible for halting new aircraft deliveries since July, remains plagued by unresolved issues, hindering the program's progress.

Read more: US unable to detect own F-35 stealth jet, asks for assistance

Back in September, a senior Defense Ministry official in the Czech Republic announced that Lockheed Martin would be offering the country a discounted price if they were to sign a contract to purchase 24 fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets. 

“Today I can say that the price [for fighter jets] will be much lower, we will present this price to the government. We will target [the price reduction] by about 10 percent,” the official said, adding that it is impossible to state the exact price since talks regarding contract details are still underway.

The first F-35 fighters intended for the Czech Republic are anticipated to be manufactured in 2029,  while training of flight and ground personnel is due to begin afterward.

Read more: Netherlands F-35 parts supply to 'Israel' ongoing despite war crimes

  • F35s
  • United States
  • F-35 fighter jet
  • Lockheed Martin Corp
  • US
  • F-35

Most Read

The logo of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence (wikidata)

Iran acquired thousands of sensitive Israeli documents: Exclusive

  • Politics
  • 7 Jun 2025
A Palestinian woman mourns as she embraces the body of her daughter Mayar Abu Odeh, 8, who was killed in an Israeli army strike on Gaza. at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP)

French port workers block arms shipment to 'Israel' amid Gaza genocide

  • Politics
  • 4 Jun 2025
New Syrian group claims Golan strike, vows resistance to 'Israel'

New Syrian group claims Golan strike, vows resistance to 'Israel'

  • Politics
  • 4 Jun 2025
Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP)

Boston Consulting Group withdraws from GHF

  • Palestine
  • 3 Jun 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
An aerial view shows sections of the columns in the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria, Saturday, January 25, 2025 (AP)
Arts and Culture

Syria’s ancient sites looted as artifacts flood online markets

Pope Leo XIV waves as arrives to celebrate a Mass for the Jubilee of New Religious Associations on Pentecost Day in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Politics

Pope Leo criticizes rise of nationalism, urges open borders and unity

Madleen ship faces Israeli threats as it approaches Gaza coast
Politics

Madleen ship faces Israeli threats as it approaches Gaza coast

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, right, arrives for the celebration of Republic Day in Rome, Friday, June 2, 2023 (AP)
Politics

Italy holds vote on citizenship, labor law reforms

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS