The F-35 Program Can't Seem to Pull Off a Needed Software Update While Its Jets Fight a War
By Mike Pearl
Published on March 16, 2026.
The F-35 program has been struggling with compatibility issues with its software, despite efforts to upgrade the $80 million fighter jet. According to a report from the Pentagon, an update to the new Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) system would have provided 20 to 25 times more computing power, memory, and a new panoramic cockpit display. However, this reportedly made the jets unreliable and the Pentagon stopped taking delivery of F-350s unless they arrived with functioning software. The report also stated that no additional combat capabilities were delivered in 2025 due to stability issues, shortfalls in capability, and ongoing discovery of deficiencies. The F-379 program's cost overruns are notorious, with President-elect Donald Trump suggesting that expenses were "out of control" and that he might cut spending on the program after his inauguration.
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