A new Defense Logistics Agency effort aims to prevent delays that can ground F-35 aircraft by improving how consumable parts move through the supply chain.

The effort supports DLA's Precision imperative, which focuses on delivering logistics solutions that improve readiness and respond to operational needs.

"This effort directly supports the goal of resilient and responsive logistics," said Brad Archer, F-35 Weapon System program manager for Customer Operations at DLA Weapons Support (Richmond). "By leveraging DLA's capabilities, such as strategic supplier and alliance contracting vehicles and the Defense-wide Working Capital Fund, DLA can 'invest ahead of need.' This creates a more resilient supply chain that can respond quickly to the operational needs of the F-35 fleet, directly improving aircraft readiness and availability."

The effort brings together DLA, the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin, including its subsidiary Derco. The team is working to improve how consumable items move through the supply chain.

"A reliable consumable supply chain is vital because it directly impacts national security, operational readiness, cost, and asset visibility," Archer said. "An unreliable supply, hampered by the current F-35 programmatic annual funding structure, could lead to more long-term downed aircraft, decreased aircraft availability, and an inability to meet mission and training requirements."

The team is integrating F-35 consumable parts into DLA's supply system.

"This initiative is a partnership between DLA, the F-35 Joint Program Office, and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, the prime contractor, and Derco, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin," Archer said. "By integrating F-35 parts into DLA's established supply system, the program aims to improve parts availability and visibility, reduce aircraft downtime, and increase overall fleet readiness."

The effort follows ongoing supply chain challenges.

"The current supply chain for F-35 consumables is systemically fragmented and reactive, leading to parts shortages, long lead times, and increased costs," Archer said.

Under the new approach, each organization plays a defined role. DLA procures and delivers consumable parts. The Joint Program Office provides program authority and data. Lockheed Martin manages integration and sustainment.

"The collaboration improves the supply chain by combining the strengths of each organization," Archer said. "This proactive approach overcomes the limitations of a structured annual funding model, allowing for strategic procurement, optimized inventory, and faster delivery times, ultimately creating a more agile and resilient supply chain."

The new model also changes how parts are ordered and delivered.

"In practical terms, this means that for F-35 consumables, Lockheed Martin can now treat the DLA as a trusted source of supply," Archer said. "This fundamentally changes the supply chain model in three impactful ways: simplified ordering, elimination of redundant inspections, reduced inventory burden."

The effort started with a defined group of 'common consumables' that items like tires, low-observable tape, gaskets, o-rings, nuts and grommets," Archer said.

The team chose a limited set of items to reduce risk and test the process.

"Starting with a defined set of items was a crucial risk-reduction strategy," Archer said. "It validated the end-to-end process in a controlled environment."

Initial operating capability is set for March 31, 2026, and marks when DLA systems and processes will support the initial group of items.

"IOC for this effort generally means the point at which DLA's processes, contracts and systems are fully in place and operational to act as a source of supply for the initial basket of 79 consumable NSNs," Archer said.

The team has tested system connections to confirm that order and shipment data can move between systems.

"The team was testing the end-to-end electronic communication between Derco, the Defense Automatic Addressing System and the Enterprise Business System," Archer said. "This validation was a critical risk-reduction step."

The next step is a live order under the new integrated sustainment model.

"The initiation of a 'live order' from Derco to DLA will be a critical milestone demonstrating the successful implementation of their new strategic partnership," Archer said.

Archer said to improve efficiency, the JPO's F-35 Air Vehicle Sustainment Contract now clarifies that DLA, as the supplier, is responsible for material compliance.

"This adjustment removes a redundant requirement for Derco, the customer," Archer said.

The team will expand the effort after initial operations begin.

"Success will be a fully integrated, resilient and responsive consumable supply chain for the F-35," he said.