The US Air Force is armed with more than 540 F-35 fighters, but only 53.1% of them are suitable for combat missions – training, sorties, demonstration flights. And less than 30% of machines can perform all their tasks, writes Bloomberg with reference to the report of Air Force General Michael Schmidt, prepared for hearings in the aviation subcommittee of the House Committee on Armed Services.
“This is unacceptable, and maximum readiness is my top priority,” the general said, stressing that he expects to increase the readiness level of fighters by at least 10% within a year.
The general’s report does not indicate the reasons for this situation, but earlier reasons were given as a lack of spare parts, frequent breakdowns of engines and other components, and long repair times.
In recent years, the situation has worsened: in 2020, the average rate of partial serviceability of fighters was 69%, full – about 39%, follows from the data of the US Accounts Chamber. And according to the Pentagon, by the end of last year, 65% of fighters could already perform combat functions.
Source: Rosbalt
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
