Pentagon Holds $5M Per F-35 Jet Pending Upgrade

Resumption of F-35 Deliveries with Conditional Payments
The U.S. military has resumed receiving F-35 jets, but with a strategic financial holdback. The U.S. government is retaining the final $5 million per jet payment until the TR-3 technology upgrade is fully implemented. This decision ensures that each jet meets the enhanced combat capabilities expected as part of the agreement with Lockheed Martin.