Multiple Israeli sources have indicated that Israel's fleet of F-35 fighter jets has remained more combat-ready than the U.S. Air Force's F-35s, according to a report. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Israeli F-35s have not experienced the same level of maintenance issues detailed in a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.
The GAO report, released in April 2026, found that the U.S. F-35 fleet had an average mission-capable rate of just 51.5% over the past year, far below the target of 80%. The report cited engine problems, software glitches, and supply chain delays as key factors. In contrast, Israeli sources claimed their F-35s have maintained a mission-capable rate above 70%, though they did not provide official data.
Israel operates a fleet of 39 F-35I Adir aircraft, which are modified versions of the U.S. F-35. The Israeli Air Force has integrated its own electronic warfare systems and air-to-air missiles into the jets. Israeli sources attributed their higher readiness to a more streamlined maintenance process and a focus on spare parts availability.
The U.S. Department of Defense has acknowledged the maintenance challenges but has not commented on the Israeli claims. The Pentagon is working on a modernization plan for the F-35, expected to be completed by late 2026, to address reliability issues.
