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Global Industry News

F-35 set for major capability boost with Technology Refresh 3 upgrade

Policy

Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Jan 1, 2025

The F-35 fighter jet is set to receive a significant upgrade with the introduction of Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3), which will enhance its capabilities. The upgrade focuses on boosting the aircraft's memory and processing power, allowing it to accommodate future advancements in electronic warfare, weapons systems, and sensors. This improvement is crucial for maintaining the United States' competitive edge in military aviation.

According to Alex Hollings from Sandboxx News, "Tech Refresh 3 (TR-3), now underway, aims to dramatically increase onboard processing power and onboard memory, paving the way for greater sensor fusion and a laundry list of upgrades to come." These enhancements will include new sensors, various new weapons, increased electronic warfare capabilities, and more.

The official F-35 website states that "TR-3 provides the computational horsepower to support modernized Block 4 capabilities for the F-35," enabling the jet to carry advanced sensor suites and long-range precision weapons while improving data fusion and interoperability.

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Lockheed Martin began delivering TR-3 configured F-35 aircraft on July 19, 2024. The company expects to maintain a production rate of 156 aircraft per year. In a statement released in July 2024, Lockheed Martin stated: "Our expectation remains that we will continue with a production rate of 156 aircraft per year and deliver between 75 and 110 aircraft in the second half of 2024."

Despite some delays attributed to cutting-edge technology implementation challenges and lingering supply chain issues from the COVID-19 pandemic, Lockheed Martin is working towards completing full capability delivery over the next 12 to 18 months.

The F-35's role as an advanced fighter jet has been reaffirmed by its effectiveness in combat situations. Professor Justin Bronks notes that every European country permitted by the US to see its actual capabilities has chosen to purchase it. However, biases have contributed to controversy surrounding the F-35 program due to its transparency compared to other programs like Eurofighter Typhoon or F-15EX.

The TR-3 upgrade represents a substantial leap in capability for the F-35 without altering its external appearance. It reinforces the jet's position as a formidable asset in modern aerial warfare.

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