F-35 Joint Strike Fighter : Continued Oversight Needed As Program Plans to Begin Development of New Capabilities

With estimated acquisition costs of nearly $400 billion, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter -- also known as the Lightning II -- aircraft is the Department of Defense's (DOD's) most costly and ambitious acquisition program. Since 2001, GAO has reported extensively on the F-35 program's cost, schedule, and performance problems. The program plans to begin increasing production rates over the next few years. This report assesses program (1) affordability, remaining development, and ongoing manufacturing; and (2) future modernization and procurement plans. Includes recommendations. Tables and figures. This is a print on demand report.