Pentagon Audits and POGO Investigations
¶ B3. Pentagon Audits and POGO Investigations
¶ Update through 6 September 2026
GAO, 11 June 2026: US fleet mission-capable time (at least one mission) fell from 67% in fiscal 2021 to 44% in 2025; fully mission-capable time (all missions) fell from 38% to 25%. These are US fleet measures, not Swiss readiness figures. The GSS Reset needs an estimated additional USD 13.7 billion through fiscal 2031. Parts capacity and contract incentives remain risks. GAO-26-108113 · GAO PDF
¶ Historical archive
| Date | Source | Title | Key Finding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | POGO | F-35 Testing Report Reveals Problems | Production decisions were made despite inadequate testing |
| 2025 | Inkstick Media | F-35 Program Faces Criticism in Pentagon Audit | Pentagon audit confirms systematic deficiencies in the programme |
| 2025 | Responsible Statecraft | Military is Babying F-35s to Hide True Cost | US military conceals actual F-35 costs |
| 2025 | Responsible Statecraft | Biggest Money Sinkhole Ever | F-35 programme as the biggest financial sinkhole in US military history |
| 2025 | Responsible Statecraft | US Gov't Admits F-35 is a Failure | US government acknowledges programme failure |
| 2025 | CAGW | Costing More and Flying Less | Costs rise, flight hours decline |