F-35 Planes ‘Stacking Up’ on Tarmac With Delays in Key Upgrades

Lockheed Martin Corp. F-35 aircraft are waiting on tarmacs unable to be delivered to combat units because they need critical computer hardware and software upgrades, a top lawmaker with oversight of the program said Wednesday.

“We know one thing for certain, it’s going to be at least over 100 aircraft stacked up on the tarmac. Unacceptable,” Rob Wittman (R-Va.), who leads the House Armed Services Tactical Air and Land panel, said. The airplanes are projected to accumulate by July.

“We are deeply concerned about the F-35 and the lack of on-time delivery for TR-3 Block 4,” Wittman said, referring to ...