Printed from https://fiscalreceipts.com/program/0207142F/ — built September 26, 2026. Every figure is citation-backed; see the page online for per-number provenance.
F-35 Squadrons
Budget figures
FY2026 award data is a partial year — USAspending reports awards on a rolling basis, and this corpus runs through 2026-09-04. why partial FY2026 data? →
Budget trajectory
| Fiscal year | Amount |
|---|---|
| FY24 | $89.0M |
| FY25 | $47.1M |
| FY26 | $48.4M |
All series figures: R-1 TOA · PB2026
Decade view
P-1/R-1 workbook TOA basis, shown compact in $B/$M (the workbook records USD thousands); each figure cites its own President's Budget edition
The vertical scale does not start at zero: the baseline sits just below this program’s smallest year, so a low point on this line is not a small amount. Read the shape for direction and the grid below for the figures.
● actuals (line) · ○ enacted · ◇ request — gaps are editions the program is absent from, never interpolated.
| Series | FY15 | FY16 | FY17 | FY18 | FY19 | FY20 | FY21 | FY22 | FY23 | FY24 | FY25 | FY26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuals | $39.3M | $52.0M | $73.9M | $325.2M | $490.3M | $94.7M | $104.3M | $58.4M | $60.5M | $89.0M | ||
| Enacted | $53.9M | $153.0M | $334.5M | $503.9M | $99.9M | $114.6M | $69.4M | $65.7M | $97.2M | $47.1M | ||
| Request | $153.0M | $334.5M | $549.5M | $99.9M | $132.2M | $69.4M | $70.7M | $97.2M | $47.1M | $48.4M |
blank = series not published for this year; – = absent from that edition.
Asked vs spent: the PB2017 book requested $153.0M for FY2017; the PB2019 book reported $73.9M as actual total obligation authority — $79.1M below the request. 73.9 − 153.0 = -79.1 USD millions — the compact figures above are rounded for reading.
Program lineage
No predecessor/successor lineage was recorded for this program element — no FY-to-FY transfer into or out of this line was stated in the ingested J-books, and none was inferred from the program structure.
Description
Mission — F-35 Squadrons
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program will develop and field an affordable, highly common family of next generation strike aircraft for the United States Air Force (USAF), United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and International Partners countries. There are three variants: the F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) variant; the F-35B Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant; and the F-35C Carrier Variant (CV). Maximum commonality among the variants, consistent with National Disclosure Policy, will minimize total air system life cycle costs. PE 0207142F funding supports USAF-unique on-going SEEK EAGLE, Quick Reaction Instrumentation Package (QRIP), and Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) requirements. These continuing efforts are not new starts. The Air Force SEEK EAGLE Office (AFSEO) delivers warfighting capability through aircraft/store compatibility testing and evaluation while providing accurate combat weapon delivery and mission planning software. Beginning in FY 2020, the USAF supported Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) wiring and weapons integration tasks related to SEEK EAGLE requests. These tasks include, but are not limited to, envelope expansion, mixed loads testing, adding additional stores, and F-35A specific risk reduction efforts and studies. The QRIP/CSFD program enables the F-35 fleet to rapidly transport and leverage post-flight data—collected from both test and operational environments—to enhance Mission Data Files (MDF) and the onboard Software Data Load (SDL). The program aims to increase data-ingest capable systems and networks that will be utilized to support the processing, storage, and transmission of all F-35 generated CSFD sources. The program will also look to increase the operational viability of CSFD, including the use of data science teams, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) algorithms. The F-35 JSF Operational Requirements Document (ORD) calls for the F-35A to have the capabilities and provisions for DCA operations in the first post-System Development and Demonstration (SDD) block upgrade. DCA is a NATO and US priority which is a critical capability in our collective defense and credible deterrence. The USAF F-35A achieved operational certification on October 12, 2023, earlier than the need date of January 2024. DCA refers to the capability to carry and deliver conventional and non-conventional weapons. DCA operations for the F-35A is internal carriage of up to two B61-12s. Due to extensive certification requirements, the DCA capability planning and design, testing and certification will continue throughout Block 4. Funding in this PE will resource the following F-35A DCA activities: development, analysis, test, integration, certification and risk-reduction activities necessary to field and maintain F-35A DCA capabilities throughout post-SDD block upgrades; assessment of DCA weapon integration and certification impacts on the F-35 aircraft; identification and mitigation of potential technical and cost risks; definition of integration and certification trade-space to field the DCA capability with the B61-12 weapon; follow-on risk reduction efforts to ensure future integration alignment with the earliest feasible post-SDD block upgrade; and full integration efforts pending Service decisions. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 0.0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 0.0M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. The FY 2026 request was reduced by 0.5M for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative.” This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.
Mission — F-35
The AFSEO delivers warfighting capability through aircraft/store compatibility testing and evaluation and provides accurate combat weapon delivery and mission planning software. Beginning in FY 2020, the USAF supported FTI wiring and weapons integration tasks related to SEEK EAGLE requests. These tasks include, but are not limited to, envelope expansion, mixed loads testing, adding additional stores, and F-35A specific risk reduction efforts and studies. The QRIP / CSFD system is a government-owned, off-the-shelf solution from the 59 TES for F-35 high-capacity data recording needs. Designed for operational test and evaluation, the system serves multiple emerging needs for data collection. By capturing Crowd Sourced Flight Data (CSFD) from operational aircraft, QRIP reduces the need for deliberate regression flight testing and allows the test enterprise to focus on Block 4 and future capability development. Working with F-35 Joint Program Office Combat Data Systems, the 59 TES will increase data ingest capable systems that will be utilized to support the data processing, storage, and transmission of all F-35 generated CSFD sources. The 59 TES will continue studying means to increase the operational viability of CSFD, including the use of data science teams, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms.
Mission — JSF DUAL CAPABLE AIRCRAFT
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Operational Requirements Document (ORD) calls for the F-35A variant to have the capabilities and provisions for Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) operations in the first post System Development and Demonstration (SDD) block upgrade. DCA refers to the capability to carry and deliver conventional and non-conventional weapons. DCA operation for the F-35A is internal carriage of up to two (2) B61-12 weapons.
Justification
Accomplishments & Planned Programs (5)
Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) User Information Data Exchange Service (UIDES)
Beginning in FY 2020, the USAF unique ALIS UIDES requirement was broken out separately from the remaining systems engineering. USAF F-35 UIDES provides for Air Force development of a F-35 ALIS - UIDES that supports IER data transfer capability from the F-35 ALIS into existing Air Force enterprise systems. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program/project planning and execution and future program/project planning.
Air Force SEEK EAGLE Office and Low Observable Sustainability Over Time
Integrated Test activities in support of Block 4, to include Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney support at all test sites. Non-recurring engineering required to plan for the service life extension of existing Developmental Test (DT) aircraft and modification necessary to bring DT aircraft fleet to a more production representative and sustainable configuration, and to develop flight test instrumentation and release test software to meet Block 4 requirements. Additional upgrades required to support development and evaluation of improvements driven by changes in the threat environment and as identified in the Electronic Warfare Initial Capability Document (ICD), the Fifth Generation Fighter Modernization ICD, and the Block 4 Capability Development Document (CDD). Beginning in FY 2020, the USAF has supported FTI wiring and weapons integration tasks related to AFSEO requests. These tasks include, but are not limited to, envelope expansion, mixed loads testing, adding additional stores and F-35A specific risk reduction efforts and studies. As an alternative to flight test, AFSEO will procure 1/6th scale models of the F-35A to be tested in wind tunnels at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) to fulfill F-35A weapons integration objectives. Wind tunnel testing would increase AFSEO throughput three hundred percent. To ensure the F-35A fleet's Low Observable Sustainability Over Time (LOSOT), 12 F-35A aircraft must undergo radar cross section (RCS) testing annually. The only facility at NAS Patuxent River does not have the capacity to support LOSOT test requirements. The National Radar Test Facility (NRTF) at White Sands Missile Range (WMSR) has the capability, but must procure and install Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) antennae to adapt the range for F-35A testing. These MADL antennae capture F-35A time, space, and position information to direct their radar.
Quick Reaction Instrumentation Package (QRIP) / Crowd Sourced Flight Data (CSFD)
The QRIP / Crowd Sourced Flight Data (CSFD) system is a government-owned, off-the-shelf solution from the 59 TES for F-35 high-capacity data recording needs. Designed for operational test and evaluation, the system serves multiple emerging needs for data collection. By capturing CSFD from operational aircraft, QRIP reduces the need for deliberate regression flight testing and allows the test enterprise to focus on Block 4 and future capability development.
Joint Simulator Environment (JSE) / Virtual Test and Training Center (VTTC)
The VTTC campus connects 5th Generation / 4th Generation fighter, C2ISR, and bomber simulators in a TS/SCI/SAR virtual battlespace that provides opportunities for high end advanced tactics and training. In FY 2024, this funded F-35 FIAB, a digital version of the F-35 aircraft and sensors for JSE integration at the VTTC. This capitalized on investments made by Air Force and Navy in high fidelity sims for 5th Generation fighters and leveraged the architecture and development made for test purposes setting the stage to connect Air Force and Navy JSE based sims for joint training.
Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) (F-35 JSF)
This effort provides for the assessment of Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) weapon integration and certification impacts on the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft. It identifies and mitigates potential technical and cost risks, as well as defines the integration and certification trade-space to field the DCA capability with the B61-12 weapon. This effort also supports follow-on risk reduction efforts that will ensure future integration alignment with the earliest feasible post-SDD block upgrade, and is expected to include full integration efforts pending Service decisions. Integrated Test activities in support of Block 4, to include Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney support at all test sites. Non-recurring engineering required to plan for the service life extension of existing DT aircraft and modification necessary to bring DT aircraft fleet to a more production representative and sustainable configuration.
Budget line items(workbook-cited)
P-1/R-1 workbook Total Obligation Authority basis (USD thousands) · PB2026.
Exhibit R-1
| Account | Org | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY24 Actuals | $89.0M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY25 Enacted | $47.1M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY25 Total | $47.1M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY26 Disc. Request | $48.4M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY26 Total | $48.4M |
Budget Details(R-2/P-40 facts)
J-book detail basis (R-2/P-40, USD millions) · PB2026 — a different accounting basis from the P-1/R-1 workbook TOA above; where the two disagree, the reconciliation strip under Budget figures shows both.
Wider than this screen — swipe the table sideways for the remaining fiscal-year columns.
| Project | All Prior Years | FY24 Actuals | FY25 Total | FY26 Base | FY26 Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Element | $268.4M | $89.0M | $47.1M | $48.4M | $48.4M |
| 675346: F-35 | $34.5M | $67.8M | $25.5M | $26.6M | $26.6M |
| 676011: JSF DUAL CAPABLE AIRCRAFT | $186.6M | $21.1M | $21.6M | $21.9M | $21.9M |
Follow the dollar
No follow-the-dollar view — this program's awards haven't been crosswalked at high confidence (flows cover 312 of 1,938 programs). why coverage is partial? →
Awards
No awards are linked to this program element at high or medium confidence — the budget→award crosswalk only asserts links it can defend, and this line has none yet.
Lobbying mentions
No Senate LDA lobbying filing in the tracked data mentions this program element by code or alias.
Oversight
GAO oversight of this program
GAO reports naming this program:
- F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: Program Continues to Encounter Production Issues and Modernization Delays (GAO-24-106909, May 16, 2024)
- F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: More Actions Needed to Explain Cost Growth and Support Engine Modernization Decision (GAO-23-106047, May 30, 2023)
- F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: Cost Growth and Schedule Delays Continue (GAO-22-105128, April 25, 2022)
GAO assessed the program, not this budget line. F-35 Squadrons is one of the lines that funds it, and GAO’s work above says nothing about this line’s own figures. Which line each GAO item attaches to is a hand-ratified crosswalk — how it was checked.
Department-level designation (not specific to this program)
GAO lists 5 high-risk areas for DOD as a whole. That designation covers the department, not F-35 Squadrons. GAO's program-level work on this line is above. See the DOD oversight record.
Program dossier
No research dossier for this program — dossiers cover 50 of 1,938 programs, the largest fully J-book-detailed lines by FY2026 requested dollars. why no dossier here? →
Primary sources
Open any budget figure for its exact receipt. Verified line items lead with the highlighted government PDF; original spreadsheets download with their budget edition and exhibit in the filename.
Budget totals · TOA sources
FY2026 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J679
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2026_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2017 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J587
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2017_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2018 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J669
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2018_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2019 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J693
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2019_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2020 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J692
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2020_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2021 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J713
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2021_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2022 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J678
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2022_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2023 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J650
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2023_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2024 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J641
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2024_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2025 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J661
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2025_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
Detailed budget justification
The related TOA spreadsheets above use a different accounting basis from R-2/P-40 detail. Their amounts are not assumed to match these detailed sources.
FY2026 Air Force Research and Development Test and Evaluation, Vol. I · www.saffm.hq.af.mil
PDF page 20