Lockheed’s F-35 Quality Flaws Persist as Production Ramps Up
- Too many defects are discovered on deployed jets, agency says
- Pentagon contracts agency sees progress in the production rate
This article is for subscribers only.
Lockheed Martin Corp. continues to produce F-35 jets with flaws discovered after the fighter jets are delivered to US military units, according to the Pentagon’s contracts management agency.
Four F-35Bs at a Marine unit at Cherry Point, North Carolina, have been repaired on-site since August by Lockheed technicians to correct “Category 1” deficiencies, according to people familiar with the problems, including a defense official. Such flaws affect flight readiness but aren’t seen as endangering pilot safety.