Stalled Negotiations Impact Future of F-35 Sustainment Approach

Negotiations between the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin regarding a new sustainment approach for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter have reached an impasse. The proposed performance-based logistics (PBL) agreement faced a congressional mandate to increase readiness or decrease maintenance costs, which has not been met. As a result, the Pentagon is exploring options to continue the traditional maintenance structure for the F-35 through at least the end of 2024.
  

Key Points: 

1. Negotiations for a performance-based logistics (PBL) agreement for the F-35 between the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have stalled due to a congressional mandate requiring increased readiness or decreased maintenance costs.

2. The Pentagon is now planning to continue the traditional maintenance structure for the F-35, possibly extending it beyond 2024, to ensure the necessary framework for sustaining currently fielded F-35s and global operations.

3. Lockheed Martin had advocated for the PBL approach, believing it would increase part availability, readiness, and affordability over the long term, but the impasse has led to a pause in negotiations.

Source: https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/exclusive-with-dod-pausing-negotiations-new-f-35-logistics-deal-in-doubt-for-2024/