F-35: $2T in ‘Generational Wealth’ the Military Had No Right to Spend
Summary
Responsible Statecraft reports the F-35 program has exceeded $2 trillion — 400% over its 2007 estimate. Full mission capable rates are critically low (36.4% for F-35A, 14.9% for F-35B, 19.2% for F-35C). Pentagon cut 2026 orders by 45%.
Key Data Points
- Total program cost exceeded $2 trillion (400% over 2007 estimate)
- Full mission capable rates: F-35A 36.4%, F-35B 14.9%, F-35C 19.2%
- Pentagon cut FY2026 orders to 47 aircraft (45% reduction from FY2024’s 86)
- 1,400 subcontractors across 307 congressional districts in 45 states
- 307 out of 435 congressmen have F-35 program constituents
- Air Force F-35A orders dropped from 44 to 24 aircraft
Bias Assessment
Responsible Statecraft is affiliated with the Quincy Institute, which advocates for restraint in US foreign policy. Editorial perspective is critical of military spending, but data points are sourced from GAO and Pentagon reports.