America’s upgrade programme for its F-35 stealth fighter jet is facing further delays and China’s control of rare earths and metals could be a contributing reason, according to industry assessments.
The F-35 has consistently improved its combat capabilities through upgrades named blocks, ranging from 1A to 3F. In 2019, the US Defence Department launched its Block 4 upgrade initiative to improve the aircraft’s detection range, air-to-air engagement and precision strike abilities.
However, the programme has had significant delays and cost overruns. Originally, all 66 capabilities under Block 4 were scheduled to be fully deployed by 2026. But as of May last year, the expected completion date had been pushed back to 2029.
In a September 3 report, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicated that the Block 4 upgrade could be delayed by another two years, with the earliest possible completion now expected by 2031 – five years later than the initial timeline.
The programme has already exceeded its budget by US$6 billion.
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What are rare earths, and why is China’s dominance facing global pushback
What are rare earths, and why is China’s dominance facing global pushback
A major factor behind the delayed aircraft deliveries in 2024 is Lockheed Martin’s Technology Refresh 3, a US$1.9 billion package of hardware and software upgrades essential to the Block 4 modernisation.
