F-35 Sustainment: DOD Needs a Plan to Address Risks Related to Its Central Logistics System
Abstract
The F-35 is the most ambitious and expensive weapon system in DODs history, with sustainment costs comprising the vast majority of DODs $1.3 trillion cost estimate. Central to F-35 sustainment is ALISa complex system supporting operations, mission planning, supply-chain management, maintenance, and other processes. The F-35 program is approaching several key milestones: the Air Force and Navy are to declare the ability to operate and deploy the F-35 in 2016 and 2018 respectively, and full-rate production of the aircraft is to begin in 2019. However, ALIS has experienced developmental issues and schedule delays that have put aircraft availability and flying missions at risk. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 included a provision that GAO review the F-35s ALIS. This report assesses, among other things, the extent to which DOD has (1) a plan to ensure that ALIS is fully functional as key program milestones approach and (2) credibly and accurately estimated ALIS costs. GAO reviewed F-35 program documentation, interviewed officials, and conducted focus groups with ALIS users.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1011682
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office