National Security

The Pentagon is downplaying serious problems with the F-35, watchdog says

By Travis J. Tritten
Published August 29, 2018 7:56pm ET
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The Pentagon is downplaying serious problems with the F-35, watchdog says
A fighter pilot sits in the cockpit while a crew member checks the exterior of a Lockheed Martin Corp. F-35A jet before a training flight in Hill Air Force Base, Utah, U.S., on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. Lockheed Martin Corp.'s accelerating revenue growth outlook is boosted by its recent portfolio moves, which are enabling the world's largest defense contractor to better capitalize on higher foreign demand. Rising F-35 production is a key driver, as deliveries are to double by 2019 vs. current levels. | (George Frey/Bloomberg)

The Pentagon is trying to paper over serious problems with the F-35 joint strike fighter aircraft that could endanger troops, according to an investigation released Wednesday by the Project On Government Oversight.

An oversight board looking at development of the high-tech fighter made by Lockheed Martin decided in June to downgrade 19 of the aircraft’s most severe deficiencies without a plan for fixes, the watchdog group found.

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F-35 Lockheed Martin