F-35 Lightning II: Current Deployment and Strategic Importance
More than 1,100 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth aircraft have been delivered worldwide, with the United States operating over 600. These aircraft are pivotal to American defense strategy and are crucial for the security of allies like Japan and South Korea, both engaged in longstanding conflicts with China. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the F-35’s sophisticated stealth design and sensor integration are essential for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and its allied partners.
Challenges with F-35 Block 4 Upgrades
Since joining the U.S. Air Force in 2015, the F-35 has seen ongoing enhancements through successive upgrades termed as blocks. The Block 4 upgrade, introduced in 2019, aims to enhance the aircraft’s radar capabilities, increase air-to-air power, and improve precision strike abilities. This upgrade includes advanced air-to-air missiles and modern radar systems. The timeline for the delivery of all 66 Block 4 features was initially set for 2026 but is now extended to 2031 or beyond, with costs exceeding initial estimates by over $6 billion.
A critical setback in delivering these capabilities is the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3), a $1.9 billion initiative comprising necessary hardware and software improvements. In 2023, the F-35 deliveries faced an average delay of 61 days, extending further to 238 days by 2024.
Impact of China’s Supply Chain Dominance
China’s dominance over rare earth elements (REEs) and semiconductors presents a significant obstacle. These materials are vital for advanced radar, stealth coatings, and high-performance magnets used in the F-35.
- The AN/APG-85 radar upgrade relies on gallium nitride (GaN) technology, essential for improved power density, efficiency, and resistance to jamming. However, China controls over 90% of the global refined gallium supply.
- Increased export restrictions by China on gallium and germanium since 2023 jeopardize the F-35 Block 4 modernization timeline.
Resource Requirements and Strategic Implications
Each F-35 contains over 900 pounds of rare earth materials, making it highly resource-intensive. These include:
- Samarium-cobalt magnets: Approximately 50 pounds per jet, primarily sourced from China.
- Yttrium, dysprosium, terbium: Critical for avionics and stealth applications.
- Gallium and germanium: Key components for radar and electronic warfare equipment.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) emphasizes that REEs are essential not only for aircraft but also for U.S. naval vessels and smart weapons, posing a broader security issue due to reliance on Chinese resources.
Strategic Challenges for the U.S. and Its Allies
China’s export limitations grant it a strategic edge, influencing U.S. defense capabilities by regulating REE and semiconductor supply. Experts indicate that due to these constraints, the U.S. trails behind China in advanced radar and electronic warfare system development. In 2023, China dominated heavy REE processing, and with no alternative refineries operational due to issues like tax disputes, dependency on Chinese supply chains persists.
Implications for International Partners
The Block 4 upgrade delays affect U.S. allies operating the F-35, such as Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Australia, impacting their combat preparedness. The modernization plan for the F-35 across NATO and partner countries relies on these upgrades, making the delay a collective challenge. Without the timely introduction of Block 4, these nations risk deploying jets with inferior radar and electronic warfare systems, crucial for future conflicts against advanced military threats like China.
