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Pentagon Lost One Million F-35 Parts
The US Department of Defense (DOD) has failed to account for nearly 1 million missing spare parts for the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, the most expensive weapon system in the country's history. The value of the parts is approximately 85 million dollars
The missing parts, which include items such as bolts, tires and landing gear, are reportedly worth about $85 million, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported Tuesday.
Since 2018, the Pentagon has reviewed the circumstances surrounding only 2 percent of identified part losses.
“If DOD does not take steps to ensure that these spares are accountable under a contract, the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) will not be able to gain or maintain responsibility for these spares, nor will it have data such as locations,” the report said.
Spare parts are being stored around the world for use on the F-35 by the US military and allied nations, which have purchased the aircraft manufactured by defense contractor Lockheed Martin.
