Summary Report: Lessons Learned from DoD OIG Reports on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program (Report No. DODIG-2026-061)

Report No.: DODIG-2026-061
Report Type: Audit
Component: Audit

What We Did:

This summary report is one in a series that highlights key themes and lessons learned from our body of oversight work in several major areas related to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) program. We offer these summaries to provide helpful and timely information relevant to DoD priorities.

This summary report provides lessons learned related to the F-35 program that were identified in 12 audit and evaluation reports and four notices of findings and recommendations that the DoD Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued from FY 2019 through December 31, 2025. We analyzed these reports and notices of findings and recommendations and identified recurring challenges related to F-35 contract oversight, inventory management, and financial reporting. This report is intended for informational use; therefore, it does not contain recommendations or require management comments.