F-35 Joint Program Office welcomes new director amidst crucial phase for the program
The F-35 program, a cornerstone of the U.S. military's air power, is facing critical challenges as Lieutenant General Gregory L. Masiello takes over as its new head. Masiello, who assumed the role in 2023, inherits a program beset by delays, budget constraints, and shifting Pentagon priorities.
Key among the challenges Masiello faces is the delayed and complex Block 4 upgrade. This upgrade, which adds new software, weapons, sensors, and a crucial new processor essential to countering peer adversaries like China, is significantly behind schedule. TR-3-configured jets (part of Block 4) have yet to be declared combat-capable due to these delays, pushing the Air Force to slow production to only 24 jets in 2026 versus a target of 72.
Masiello must also navigate budget and procurement challenges. The Pentagon, shifting funds toward next-gen platforms such as the B-21 bomber and the future F-47 fighter, has reduced planned F-35 procurement numbers. Masiello must balance delivering advanced and fully capable jets with this tighter financial environment while working to restore confidence for increased buys once Block 4 issues are resolved.
Maintaining fleet readiness, or the ability to "fight tonight," is another priority for Masiello. Boosting spare parts availability and reducing maintenance downtime are essential to ensuring the fleet remains combat-ready. Masiello is tasked with ensuring the industrial base can sustain current and future production efficiently and cost-effectively, coordinating between government and Lockheed Martin.
Beyond fixes, Masiello’s role includes managing integration of new weapons like the AGM-158 JASSM-ER and advanced electronic warfare systems that transform the F-35 into a networked combat node, enhancing its operational utility in high-end conflict scenarios.
Scrutiny from Congress and budget cuts from the Pentagon are intensifying. Masiello's predecessor, Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, headed the program since 2022. Under Schmidt's leadership, the program faced criticism over its history of cost growth and schedule delays. In response, Congress directed annual reviews of the program by the Government Accountability Office to ensure accountability and transparency.
As Masiello takes on this critical role, he is walking into a program at a critical moment. His top priorities will be getting the Block 4 variant, especially the TR-3 upgrade, fully certified and combat-capable, improving supply chains to reduce maintenance turnaround, and overseeing the sustained and cost-effective procurement of capable F-35s that meet emerging threat requirements.
References:
- Defense News
- Aviation Week
- Breaking Defense
- The Hill
- Air Force Magazine
- The new head of the F-35 program, Lieutenant General Gregory L. Masiello, faces challenges with drones and space force integration, as the Air Force prioritizes next-gen platforms like the B-21 bomber and the future F-47 fighter, leading to reduced F-35 procurement numbers.
- Masiello's tasks include managing the integration of new weapons, transforming the F-35 into a networked combat node, and overseeing the deployment of advanced electronic warfare systems, boosting the aircraft's operational utility in high-end conflict scenarios.
- As Masiello grapples with delays, budget constraints, and shifting Pentagon priorities, he must navigate the complex Block 4 upgrade, which includes new software, weapons, sensors, and a crucial new processor, essential for countering peer adversaries like China.
- In sports, less emphasis on F-35 production could lead to a slower rollout of the aircraft, potentially impacting the balance of power in air force operations, a critical concern for Masiello as he takes over the program in 2023.
