Lockheed Martin set to deliver up to 110 F-35 jets amid TR-3 delays

The Pentagon is withholding $5 million in final payments for each F-35 lacking the final TR-3 upgrade version. This amounts to roughly $330 million for the 66 aircraft. The overall acquisition cost of the F-35 program is $486 billion.

Romania recently became the jet's 20th customer. Few potential customers remain who could plausibly purchase it. Most countries permitted by the US have already ordered it. Portugal and Spain are potential buyers, while France and Sweden focus on their own programs.

The F-35 is described as a "flying supercomputer" capable of supersensor fusion, with capabilities generally classified but inferred from international orders.

Meanwhile, China has increased its J-20 Mighty Dragon production rate from 30 to 100 aircraft annually as of June 2024. Conservative estimates suggest China could have more than 800 J-20s by 2030. This would outnumber India's entire fighter jet fleet and challenge US air superiority in certain regions.

Professor Justin Bronks notes that while the J-20 may not match or surpass the F-35's capabilities, it aims to be effective enough in conflict scenarios in its operational environment.