F-35 Program - General Discussion

[John Fedup]

Down the line as the latest tech refresh is being released as we speak it’s going to be a few years before the next major revision of the F35 program unless someone shows up with a deep bank account.

Hopefully the current major revision (block 4) gets the necessary F135 ECU to realize the full benefits. Still wonder if the AETP for F-35 would be be all that much longer than the F135 ECU? Would a 25-30% range increase be worth the extra time (assuming AETP was longer than the ECU?

 

[Terran]

Block 5 is probably in the early 2030s that would be the safest bet on if an engine replacement was to be done.

 

[John Fedup]

Block 5 is probably in the early 2030s that would be the safest bet on if an engine replacement was to be done.

Guess that might be another excuse for the LPC to delay additional F-35 jets for the RCAF.

 

[John Fedup]

So it appears LM can now produce a new F-35, the F-35NR. Although it can't be used in combat it will be useful for pilot training and as sources for spare parts.

EXCLUSIVE: US poised to accept new F-35s without radars, sources say - Breaking Defense

 

[John Fedup]

This link is from the UK defence journal. There is a comment post from a user named "rudeboy" which lists the current status of munitions for F-35 variants. No idea how accurate his information is. Perhaps other members here can comment.

Meteor F-35 integration shows no signs of urgency

 

[John Fedup]

Regardless of what type of fuel tank is being utilized, it is a welcomed enhancement for range extension. Stealth and reusability would be welcomed of course.

Israel’s F-35s Are Getting External Fuel Tanks

 

[Stampede]

Regardless of what type of fuel tank is being utilized, it is a welcomed enhancement for range extension. Stealth and reusability would be welcomed of course.

Israel’s F-35s Are Getting External Fuel Tanks

No brainer on many levels.
RAAF take note


Cheers S

 

[John Fedup]

Some pricing information is included on all three F-35 variants in this link. Inflation is taking its toll on costs. Although TR3 seems to be included in the latest batch, the level of block 4 software updates is vague. There is then the ECU for the F135 engine which is needed for improved cooling and for full block 4 implementation so costs down the road will be even higher.

What Each F-35 Variant Really Costs Right Now

 

[John Fedup]

So the F135 engine ECU production is scheduled for 2031 so full block 4 software can't happen until then. Guessing foreign AFs will have a long wait.

F-35 engine upgrade clears key design review, Pratt says - Breaking Defense

 

[MARKMILES77]

Australian F-35 parts have been "lost" in Hong Kong, including a canopy.
Were being flown to the US when the plane was diverted to Hong Kong and then the parts went missing.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/18/congress-f-35-china-investigation-01083647

 

[seaspear]

With regard to conformal tanks for the F-35a would the R.A.A.F consider a number of the mq -25 refueling drones to provide such refueling

MQ-25A Stingray Only Refuels Other Aircraft, But Its Carrier Air Wing Integration Frees Up Third of F/A-18s for Strike Missions | Defense Express

First operational Boeing tanker drone flies two hours as stealth design enables low-observable F-35C refueling, matching Super Hornet’s 6.8-ton capacity

en.defence-ua.com

 

[Ananda]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-22/lockheed-us-unveil-agreement-to-buy-850-more-f-35-fighter-jets

850 more F-35 jets, enough to bring the program production line toward I presume up to 2040's. Moreover it will bring more population, thus reduce sustainment cost. This is only come from US program outside export.

Pentagon eyes biggest-ever F-35 deal with plans to buy at least 850 more jets

Pentagon plans biggest-ever F-35 deal to buy at least 850 more Lockheed Martin jets and support the fleet over 10 years. Read more at straitstimes.com.

www.straitstimes.com

 

[John Fedup]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-22/lockheed-us-unveil-agreement-to-buy-850-more-f-35-fighter-jets

850 more F-35 jets, enough to bring the program production line toward I presume up to 2040's. Moreover it will bring more population, thus reduce sustainment cost. This is only come from US program outside export.

Pentagon eyes biggest-ever F-35 deal with plans to buy at least 850 more jets

Pentagon plans biggest-ever F-35 deal to buy at least 850 more Lockheed Martin jets and support the fleet over 10 years. Read more at straitstimes.com.

www.straitstimes.com

So will this speed up the ECU and block 4 full release on this potential new order? How many will require post delivery upgrades? LM has a monopoly on 5th Gen fighters and in the future Boeing will have a monopoly on 6 Gen. The C-F continues. Hopefully CCA sees several production options.