In fiscal year 2023, the United States Navy will purchase fewer fifth-generation F-35C Lightning II deck fighters than the manufacturer plans to release. The 19FortyFive publication evaluated the US Navy’s decision.

Lockheed Martin, which made the F-35, is working to restore the military’s supply of fighters. It is stated that aircraft production has decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The manufacturer plans to continue production of the previous F-35 until 2025.

The U.S. Navy will order fewer aircraft in fiscal 2023 than Lockheed Martin plans to produce as part of a production restart. The publication states that the decision to reduce aircraft purchase may result in additional costs in the future, as the aircraft has “no equivalent”.

The F-35C differs from the basic version of the fighter in the increased wing and tail area that allows you to maneuver at low speeds. In addition, this wing reduces the landing speed of the F-35C. The aircraft can take off from the deck of the aircraft carrier using a steam catapult and the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS).