According to an announcement from Lockheed Martin, the F-35 programme will soon see the widescale introduction of Block 4 upgrades, which promise to keep the aircraft at the ‘cutting edge’.
These Block 4 upgrades include over 75 major enhancements for all three variants of the F-35 fighter jet.
Key improvements include increased missile capacity, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, and enhanced target recognition systems. These are being hailed as the most substantial advancements in the F-35’s capabilities to date.
At the heart of the Block 4 enhancements is the Tech Refresh-3 (TR-3) system, which brings in an open mission systems architecture, a new integrated core processor with greater computing power, an upgraded panoramic cockpit display, and a larger memory unit.
These upgrades are designed to significantly boost the aircraft’s performance in various operational scenarios. Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, F-35 Programme Executive Officer, highlighted the importance of these updates, stating, “Block 4 upgrades add new and enhanced capabilities to ensure our platform remains relevant against rapidly evolving threats.”
TR-3 is being compared to the kind of updates we see in consumer technology, like new mobile phones or computers, where new features require more powerful infrastructure.
“TR-3 will host new Block 4 capabilities and applications with significantly more computing power and memory than the legacy infrastructure,” said Lt. Gen. Schmidt.
While the press release highlights Block 4’s advancements, the true impact of these improvements will ultimately depend on how well they are integrated into the existing fleet and how they perform in real-world operations.
In other news, the global F-35 programme has reached over 1,000 aircraft in 19 nations.
According to its builders, the F-35 has become a central component of 21st-century Security. Its advanced, interoperable capabilities “strengthen deterrence and enhance military cooperation among allied nations”.
The programme’s expansion is expected to continue, with more F-35s set to be delivered in the coming years. Central to the success of the F-35 programme, say the builder, is the dedicated workforce responsible for producing, delivering, and sustaining these advanced 5th-generation fighters.
Lockheed Martin, the primary contractor, collaborates with 1,650 high-tech suppliers worldwide to deliver F-35 capabilities to the United States and its allies. One notable contribution to the programme comes from BAE Systems, which recently achieved a significant milestone of its own by delivering the 1,000th rear fuselage for the F-35. Manufactured at BAE Systems’ facilities in Samlesbury, Lancashire, the rear fuselage is a critical component of every F-35 in the global fleet.
Supported by over 1,500 employees, BAE Systems has been supplying these fuselages since the first delivery in 2005.
Cliff Robson, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems Air, highlighted the importance of this achievement: “This is a significant moment for everyone involved in the programme and a testament to the highly-skilled workforce we have in the North West of England. Our role on the F-35 programme is another example of how we make a substantial contribution to the local and national UK economy and help to deliver capability which is critical for national security.”
Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 programme, noted: “The F-35 programme powers economic growth and prosperity for the UK, injecting approximately £41 billion into the UK economy and supporting more than 20,000 jobs in the UK supply chain, many of those based in the North West. With more than 500 companies in our UK supply chain, we’re proud of the role that our partnership with BAE Systems has in delivering the world’s most advanced aircraft for the UK and 17 other allied nations.”
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By soon does Lockheed mean before 2030? Seems strange to issue a press release saying soon rather than a date. Almost like LM is actually further delaying block IV but using this release to cover it up. Some how I can’t see meteor, LRASM or SPEAR appearing on F35 soon so what is block IV that they are referring to.
Will the 75 upgrade perhaps contain new cup holders perhaps 🤔
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As they have given at least 4 dates for its introduction from the beginning of last year, mid year, late year Jan this year and then Summer then I can understand their reluctance to commit and expand upon what extra capabilities it will provide and when. It could be the American version of fitted for but not with. When you see Boeing leaving out software to de-engage and land its spacecraft autonomously when they did just that 2 years ago, confidence in US constructors abilities to supply what’s implied by their statements is somewhat difficult to justify.
1,000 F-35’s in service dude. Putin’s biggest nightmare.
Indeed, “soon” is misleading.
I think by soon, LM mean 2033. The project has issues! They have just allowed delivery of TR3 to an initial standard to unblock the line – Full TR3 capability will be ??? Add to that the problems with engine upgrade (on account of the US going all parochial and picking the PW offering because it all murican! Rather than the pragmatic choice which was GE/RR. But that meant alien company involvement from them pesky Brits) so exactly when FULL Block 4 capabilities will be fielded is anyone’s guess at the moment. However, you can expect to see a Block… Read more »
I have mentioned this before on this kind of thing from LM. But here goes again. We need to look across the pond and in particular at the US Congress. The 35 has some serious detractors in Congress. It’s a big ticket item even for the US. So much so that comparisons are being drawn between different types. Cost, capabilities, and serviceability being the main topics. The 35 is losing out in many minds in the Congress. The 35 is getting a reputation of a “Jam tomorrow” project. To that end I feel a lot of LM press releases and… Read more »
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29 years since UK signed up to JSF program and 23 years since F35 demo aircraft won the beauty contest. Future programs cannot be allowed to be this glacial. how long till true UK FOC.
According to MoD blurb, Tempest (FCAS/GCAP) is supposed to have an IOC date of 2030. Which is crazy short for a new aircraft program. If the multi-national partners can pull it off, then commercially they will be leading the pack for 6th gen aircraft. Perhaps even the leading the US for sales?
Sounds like a load of LM waffle to me. But the article also highlights the U.K involvement with the F35 build, its very serious money and keeping the BAe lines going is vital to U.K. PLC (after all we are buying damn all at present to keep them running). Yet due to Moral reasons the U.K government is heading towards an Arms export embargo to Israel, which will include the F35 fuselage sections built by BAe and Ejection seats by MB. I can’t see any good coming out of this decision because although we are patting ourselves on the back… Read more »
Hardly surprising with Labour mate, needing to appease all their anti Israel supporters.
Another act of massive self harm incoming.
Israel will hardly notice, as what do they buy from us?
In reverse, we buy quite a lot from Israel and if they decide to return the favour then that is several MoD purchases scuppered, and HMG and civil servants looking at each other in confusion.
Utter muppets.
I find it odd on those who support Labour, seems they are very focused on one country and religion when it comes to flagging the horrors of conflict. Do we see any marches when Turkey has pop at the Kurds for instance or even the Kurds getting a home land…… tumble weed…. Also occupation, Turkey occupying part of Cyprus, again tumble weed. Kids are dying every day in Ukraine, when was the last pro Ukraine march through London.
You can tell as much from what doesn’t happen or what these people don’t do.
Totally.
Gordon Murray for UK PM!
Or indeed a march for the murdered Israeli victims of the 7 October Hammas terrorist attack. I blame the mainstream media. Personally, I’m disappointed at the lack of accountability applied in holding Hammas to account by the bloody UN.
Beautifully put, clearly you are well educated in comparison to some.of the right wing armchair generals on here.
The lack of government and viable opposition is killing us.
The superb F35 goes from strength to strength!!
I get nervous with upgrades as it usually means a reduction in frontline fleets. I’m sure some of these up grades will be retrofitted to existing RAF airframes, however if only new builds get the full improvement package that could lead to redundancy? Not understanding what the differences are between Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 Typhoon, what I do know is that a number of bloody good aircraft are soon to be scrapped!! Let us hope the meddler’s don’t mess up the F35 fleet in the coming years.
I can’t find the press release. Has anyone else found it? I’d appreciate a link.
The quote from Schmidt is 17 months old. Most of the other stuff came out with the 1000th airframe announcement and is nothing to do with the imminence of TR-3 or Block 4.
This is just a h9lding press release from LM, trying to present a rosy picture of things.. They cannot implement Block 4 until they have done this TR3, the date of which keeps sliding backwards. They are under a lot of pressure and criticism from Congress for the ever-longer delays. The US Government Accountabilty Office, which is the US watchdog on government expenditure, is now forecasting 2029, 2030 or later before Block 4 is ready. It means we cannot fit our chosen weapons suite of Spear etc for 5-6-7 years maybe more at the rate LM are going. Not sure… Read more »
Okay, to ask the obvious question and I am pretty sure I won’t like the answer. Which , if any ungraded are the U.K. F35 fleet going to get?
All of them. Simple.
Wow, you sell insurance and have an interest in military matters. I am impressed Aleksandr
?? Wrong guy? I served in the Fleet Air Arm for 14 years. Now I work in offshore wind.
Well they do say sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, evidently it still goes over your head!!
Wind, why doesn’t that surprise me?
If you trying to get me annoyed. It won’t work. I’ll give you sensible answers. You are just showing us all what I suspected in the first place.
Not trying anything , I have better things to do, just responding you in kind!!
The baying calls to buy all 138 aircraft in one go where proof that they those calling for it don’t get the project. We could have got all 138 F35s and then spent years modding and upgrading them. Or we do as we have done, got the initial aircraft learnt how to use them in real life and then wait for the all singing all dancing version to appear. I stick with my Cortina analogy. We could have bought 138 Mk1 Cortinas in one go or 35 odd Mk1s , leant how to drive them, maintain them, take care of… Read more »
Interesting analogy but we both know they will not procure another hundred F35s, we will be lucky to get half that number.
Second, what will happen to the thirty odd we already have , will they get the Cosworth treatment or just get the boy racer exhaust?
Lastly I am waiting for some bean counter to say we can’t have them on an aircraft carrier vulnerable to anti ship missiles. The aircraft carriers just go to war with a dozen or so while the rest stay safe in hardened bunkers, just to be looked at.
The MOD has committed to a fleet of 74. With numbers beyond 74 to be decided in 2025. Articles stating that have been published on UKDJ many times. As for the 48 currently being delivered. They will be upgraded to blk4 standard. Maybe 10 airframes that will operate on the OCU (not combat coded) Might not receive the full upgrade. But that hasn’t been confirmed.
Funny, I thought it was 138 but given the MoD track record on major procurement , 70 ish seems about right.but that was before the change of government.
But thanks for the info
The figure of 138 is over the life of the project. Meaning they could maybe buy more in the late 2030’s. As I said they will decide next year about future numbers past 74. It largely depends on Tempest.
My comment was based on usual MoD practice to publicly state the will buy X. Then shortly after this is cut and then cut again. Eg . Wedge tail, Neptune aircraft , Typhoon etc Further I have not seen or heard anything linking Tempest to F35 Numbers, Typhoon yes, for obvious reasons. Linking F35B numbers to Tempest seems strange as Tempest is not intended to be carrier capable. I could see the logic if the MoD intended to buy F35A as well as B. But as all 138 are F35B doesn’t make sense and a quick internet search turned up… Read more »
The official commitment is 138 over the life of the F-35. However that was ordered in tranches. The first tranche was 48. The second tranche of 27 by 2033 takes that up to 74 (48+27-1 because we lost one), exactly as Robert said.
I think you need to do a slower Internet search. You will find all sorts of speculation, including whether even the second trance of 27 will be affordable if we go ahead with GCAP. But that’s all it is at the moment: speculation.
A “ slower” Internet search.
I will not say the obvious.
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The thing is. Its not just the MOD. The US wanted 750 F22’s. They got 197. The French wanted 300 odd Rafales. They have around 140. Regarding Tempest and F35B. It’s simply that we don’t have enough money in the equipment plan to purchase 138 F35’s outright. Fund Tempest, which will be very expensive, and also spend £2.34Bn upgrading 107 Typhoons. Plus develop drones/loyalwingman and introduce new weapons. The pot simply isn’t big enough. So should Tempest be cancelled or incur major delays. That could open the door for more F35’s. Tempest has never been intended to be carrier capable.… Read more »
So to be clear was there never any commitment to order 138 F35B’s?
When people talk about ‘over the life time of the project’ – what does that actually mean in reality? Surely each aircraft will be lasting an awfully long time
So in reality what would action that additional procurement.
It has been stated on here many times 74 wont cover 4 front line squadrons- which is what I believed we had decided were required in order to meet military commitments.
If I recall @ 94 was the number touted as being sufficient to meet that.
Maybe at one point back in time many moons ago. But not now. Originally, the requirement was for 150. Then it was cut to 138. Over the life of the program means the number of jets required to see it through to its out of service date. Which for F35B will be sometime post 2060. So we could have 74 in service by 2033, then some early models might get retired, so then we buy some more. Just like some nations are buying more Typhoons to replace tranche 1 aircraft. So, by 2060 we may well have bought 138 F35’s,… Read more »
I am well aware of budgetary constraints that all western defence budgets are subject too and the knock on effect it has to procurement programs. Ours in particular seem more short sighted than most .
The F-35 comes good when it gets the engine core upgrade, new APG-85 radar, advanced EO & better cooling. Plus all the weapons on the list finally get integrated. Not before 2029-31 probably. Up to date prices from FY 25 US budget requests. F-35A $140.4 million, F-35B $160.9 m, F-35C $172.9m. Jon Lake in Aug 2024 Airforces mag, says the first (oldest) 14 RAF F-35B are probably too difficult/expensive to upgrade. To upgrade the next 20 will probably cost £22 million each. Rumours of a RAF/MoD Vs HM Treasury battle. Treasury says it will not fund 26 more F-35B and… Read more »
So are you saying that if we decide to continue with Tempest then Treasury are only commiting to having 34 Block IV F35B’s?
Where has that information come from as that sounds ridiculously short sighted tbh …not surprising perhaps but ridiculous non the less.
The MoD has said all airframes, except the 3 wired for testing that are located in the US, will be upgraded. Lake is talking thru his bottom.
He says lot3,4,7,8 & 9, may not be worth upgrading. I knew there was a problem with pre lot 8, as the tail is in danger of falling off at sustained supersonic speed. I had not heard of problems with lot 9 before.
We are in a defence review period, so expect lots of hot air. Some may prove accurate, others not. I expect a general fight between those who see the need for more defence spending to counter Russia, China, N Korea & Iran Versus those who think they can slash & burn the defence budget & give the money to Labour’s Union masters.
Jon Lake is a firm Typhoon fanboy, he’s been throwing inaccurate and misleading darts at F-35 for years. Extremely unreliable source of information. He often claims/hints to be an ex RAF pilot but he wasn’t.