Pentagon increases F-35 program cost to $536.2 billion

The Pentagon has increased the total estimated cost of the F-35 program to $536.2 billion, representing a $51 billion rise since 2023. This increase of over 10 percent is attributed to inflation, rising production costs, and new modernization requirements.

A significant portion of the cost growth is linked to the Block 4 modernization package, which includes upgrades to thermal and energy management systems, expanded weaponry, sensors, and electronic warfare capabilities. Research, development, testing, and evaluation costs have risen by approximately $19 billion, now totaling $106.6 billion.

Unit costs for specific variants have also increased. The F-35A variant has risen to $78 million from 2012 prices, the F-35C to $93.4 million, and the F-35B to $110.3 million. These rising expenses are already impacting procurement and training plans for the U.S. military and international partners.