Lockheed Martin officials say news (reported first by the Star-Telegram) that the F-35 strike fighter program is behind schedule and over budget is correct; however the situation is improving not getting worse. In a follow-up report, Dan Crowley, Lockheed Aeronautics VP, said this past year “has been the most challenging year, but we knew it would be.” He noted that the time needed to complete each new aircraft is dropping. Crowley also said the company has reduced parts shortages prompted by design changes for parts that didn’t fit properly or had to be strengthened or lightened. Those changes caused cost increases as suppliers had to adjust machinery and manufacturing processes. And, Reuters reports that Lockheed spokesman John Kent said the F-35 costs were actually below the government’s latest estimate. Crowley predicted Lockheed would begin meeting the schedule in 2011. (Also read, AF-1 Takes Flight and Reuters report on the Marine Corps variant testing delay)
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
