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Pentagon Report Reveals F-35 Software Upgrade Stalls

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Pentagon report shows the F-35's software upgrades stalled, raising combat-readiness concerns.
The TR-3 upgrade is deemed "predominately unusable" for stability and technical reasons.
Marine Corps F-35s operate on outdated TR-2 software lacking advanced features.
Only three of nine cybersecurity tests were completed last year due to staffing cuts.
The program remains the most expensive in U.S. history and could delay new capabilities for U.S. forces and allies.

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Story summary

A Pentagon report shows the F-35's software upgrades stalled, raising combat-readiness concerns.
The TR-3 upgrade is deemed "predominately unusable" for stability and technical reasons.
Marine Corps F-35s operate on outdated TR-2 software lacking advanced features.
Only three of nine cybersecurity tests were completed last year due to staffing cuts.
The program remains the most expensive in U.S. history and could delay new capabilities for U.S. forces and allies.