The F-35, while unrivaled in its capabilities, remains plagued by long-term sustainment issues, high costs, and readiness challenges, even as it becomes the dominant 5th-generation strike aircraft for the U.S. and its allies.
Nearly 1,300 are operational with over 1 million flight hours. Dod (35) mp4
Some measures of reliability have shown stagnation or even reversal. The F-35, while unrivaled in its capabilities, remains