GAO Reports Defense Department Cannot Track $31 Billion in F-35 Parts

The Government Accountability Office reported Monday that the United States Department of Defense cannot reliably track F-35 stealth fighter parts, some of which are valued at $31 billion. The watchdog found that the F-35 Joint Program Office failed to account for over 1 million parts worth more than $85 million flagged in 2023 and failed to record approximately 17,000 parts undergoing maintenance valued between $1.3 billion and $2.5 billion.

These inventory failures stem from the Enterprise Logistics Management System's inability to connect directly to prime contractor systems and a lack of real-time data updates. The GAO linked these systemic failures to a decline in aircraft readiness, noting that the mission-capable rate for the fleet dropped from 67% to 44% between fiscal years 2021 and 2025.

The Department of Defense concurred with the GAO's recommendations. The department is now developing new procedures and training for Accountable Property Officers to better monitor loss trends and improve asset accountability.