A dispute with Lockheed Martin over a production mistake on the F-35 has prompted the Pentagon and at least two foreign countries from accepting delivery of new aircraft.
By Senior Airman John Linzmeier [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Corrosion “exceeding technical limits” was discovered during routine maintenance last year. The Pentagon determined that the “lack of protective coating at the fastening point” between the carbon fiber exterior pane and aluminum air frame to be the cause.
The dispute centers on who will foot the bill for Lockheed Martin technicians to travel around the world to remedy the issue on jets based overseas.