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Story summary
- The Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Defense reported that F-35 jets were operational only 50% of the time in 2024, 17% below the minimum requirement.
- The report criticized the Pentagon for not enforcing contract requirements and for failing to hold Lockheed Martin accountable for maintenance issues.
- The Department of Defense paid Lockheed Martin about $1.7 billion despite the aircraft's limited availability.
