download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Theodore BerganThe Pentagon's planned future use of the F-35, as well as the stealth aircraft's overall availability over the past few years, have both decreased. The GAO said it has consistently found that the F-35 fleet is not meeting availability and performance goals, even as projected costs for the program go up. The Pentagon "has pursued cost savings efforts and continues to look for new ways to reduce costs," the GAO explained in its report. However, it cautioned, "officials generally agree that these efforts are not likely to fundamentally change the estimated costs to operate the aircraft."

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Persons: —, Theodore Bergan, Duncan Bevan, Lockheed Martin Organizations: Service, Pentagon, Office, Business, Department of Defense, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Air, US Marine Corps, Staff, GAO, Force, US Central Command, US Air Force, Lockheed Locations: Point , North Carolina, Israel, Iranian