New Appointee Assumes Role as Head of F-35 Joint Program Office at Crucial Juncture for Aircraft Program
The F-35 program, a cornerstone of US military aviation, is under new leadership with Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Gregory L. Masiello taking over as head of the program. Masiello's tenure comes at a critical juncture, as the program faces challenges in modernization, cost control, and maintaining program stability under intense governmental oversight.
Rep. Rob Wittman, a key figure in the program, continues to support the modernization of the F-35 but remains concerned about its history of cost growth and schedule delays. Wittman directs annual reviews of the program by the Government Accountability Office to keep a close eye on these issues.
The program's recent budget request includes 37 F-35s, a decrease from previous years' forecasts, reflecting a shift in focus towards sustainment and modernization over new purchases, as endorsed by House Armed Services Committee chairman Rep. Mike Rogers.
One of Masiello's key priorities is finalizing production contracts for Lots 20 and 21, which involve hundreds of jets and long-lead materials support. Lockheed Martin is on track to deliver up to 190 F-35 aircraft in 2025, with ongoing negotiations for a large contract (about 150 jets) expected to finalize by Q3 2025.
The F-35 is getting an updated version of its engine, termed the Engine Core Upgrade, and the TR-3 upgrade, a significant technical challenge to keep the F-35 competitive and mission-capable, remains a priority. However, details about Masiello’s specific actions on these upgrades are not yet available.
Masiello also faces the challenge of managing issues with the F-35's new radar, as the new model may require changing the mold line of the airframe.
Two recent Navy contracts totaling over $165 million underline ongoing efforts in long-lead materials procurement and Agile software development support for combat data systems and capabilities upgrades lasting through 2028-2031.
The F-35 program has not received additional funding in the recent reconciliation package, and there has been no word about a handshake deal with RTX's Pratt & Whitney for the fighter's F135 engines in those lots. The final airframe contract for Lot 18, originally forecast for the spring, is now targeting "summer 2025."
Rep. Seth Moulton has expressed frustration with ongoing delays and performance issues associated with the F-35's TR-3 upgrade. Moulton directs the JPO to deliver a report assessing the progress of the TR-3, Block 4, and associated costs by Feb 1, 2026.
In conclusion, Masiello's tenure as head of the F-35 program is marked by numerous challenges, including ensuring timely production delivery amid fluctuating DoD and Congressional funding, advancing critical F-35 upgrades, and maintaining program stability and performance under intense governmental oversight.
[1] [Source for production information] [2] [Source for long-lead materials and Agile software development support] [3] [Source for Navy contracts]
- Masiello's tenure as the head of the F-35 program includes a focus on finalizing production contracts for Lots 20 and 21, involving hundreds of jets and long-lead materials support.
- Lockheed Martin is expected to deliver up to 190 F-35 aircraft in 2025, with ongoing negotiations for a large contract (about 150 jets) anticipated to finalize by Q3 2025.
- The F-35 program is undergoing an updated engine, named the Engine Core Upgrade, and the TR-3 upgrade remains a priority to maintain the fighter's competitiveness and mission-capability.
- Ongoing challenges for Masiello include addressing issues with the F-35's new radar, potentially requiring changes to the airframe's mold line, and coping with delays and performance issues associated with the F-35's TR-3 upgrade.
