WASHINGTON- More than 1,100 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth aircraft have been delivered worldwide, with the United States (US) operating over 600 of them.
The aircraft are central to American defense strategy and play a vital role in the security of allies such as Japan (NRT) and South Korea (ICN), both of which face long-standing disputes with China.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the F-35’s advanced stealth design and sensor fusion make it indispensable for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and partner nations. However, the fighter’s most ambitious upgrade program—Block 4—faces major delays and rising costs, largely due to its dependence on supply chains tied to China (PEK).
F-35 Lightning II; Photo- WikipediaF-35 Fighter Jet Upgrade Challenge
Since entering U.S. Air Force (USAF) service in 2015, the F-35 has been steadily enhanced through incremental upgrades known as blocks.
The Block 4 upgrade, launched in 2019, is designed to extend the aircraft’s radar reach, strengthen air-to-air engagement, and expand precision strike capabilities. It also integrates advanced air-to-air missiles and next-generation radar systems.
Originally, all 66 planned Block 4 capabilities were expected by 2026. That deadline has been repeatedly pushed back, first to 2029 and now to at least 2031.
The GAO report warns that even by then, Lockheed Martin may only deliver a limited set of the promised features. Costs have surged by more than $6 billion over original projections.
A major factor in these delays is Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3), a $1.9 billion package of hardware and software upgrades. Without TR-3, Block 4 cannot function. In 2023, F-35 deliveries averaged a 61-day delay, but by 2024, delays stretched to 238 days.
Photo: Needpix.comHow China Holds the Supply Chain
The most pressing challenge is China’s dominance over rare earth elements (REEs) and gallium-based semiconductors. These materials are essential for advanced radar, stealth coatings, and high-performance magnets inside the F-35.
One critical upgrade, the AN/APG-85 radar, depends on gallium nitride (GaN) technology. GaN provides higher power density and better efficiency than gallium arsenide, enabling greater detection range and resistance to jamming.
However, China controls more than 90 percent of global refined gallium production and 68 percent of proven reserves, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Beijing has imposed strict export restrictions on gallium and germanium since 2023, tightening them further in late 2024. This chokehold on raw materials directly threatens the timeline of the F-35 Block 4 modernization, Eurasian Times reported.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II; Photo- WikipediaRare Earths Inside Every F-35
A single F-35 contains over 900 pounds of rare earths, making it one of the most resource-intensive aircraft ever built. These include:
- Samarium-cobalt magnets – About 50 pounds are used in each jet for high-heat applications like missile nose cones. China produces the entire global supply of samarium.
- Yttrium, dysprosium, terbium – Essential for core avionics and stealth coatings.
- Gallium and germanium – Crucial for radar and electronic warfare systems.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) notes that REEs are also vital for U.S. submarines, destroyers, and smart munitions, making the dependency on China a broader national security concern.
Photo: Hong Kong, China / PexelsA Strategic Disadvantage
China’s export restrictions not only create delays but also give Beijing a strategic advantage. By controlling the pace of access to REEs and advanced semiconductor inputs, China indirectly influences U.S. defense readiness.
Analysts suggest this has already put the U.S. a generation behind China in the development of advanced radar and electronic warfare systems.
Adding to the challenge, China accounted for 99 percent of global heavy REE processing in 2023. The only alternative refinery, located in Vietnam, has been shut down due to a tax dispute, effectively leaving the U.S. and its allies dependent on Chinese supply chains.
Photo: F-35 Joint Program OfficeImplications for Allies and Partners
For countries operating the F-35—such as Japan (NRT), South Korea (ICN), the United Kingdom (LHR), and Australia (SYD)—the delays in Block 4 upgrades directly impact combat readiness.
The U.S. strategy to modernize the F-35 fleet across NATO and partner nations relies on these upgrades, making the delays a collective setback.
Without timely delivery of Block 4, allies may find themselves fielding jets that lag in radar detection, electronic warfare resilience, and strike precision—capabilities crucial in a potential conflict with advanced militaries like China’s.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
British F-35B Fighter Jet Makes Emergency Landing at Japan’s Airport
The post China’s Rare Earth Monopoly Threatens Most Expensive Fighter Jet in the World Upgrade appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
