The government refused to accept delivery of new F-35s for a year between 2023 and 2024, which led to jets being stockpiled at Lockheed Martin facilities.
"No more ‘divest to invest,’” aviation expert Heather Penney said, arguing that the Air Force needs to dramatically boost its F-47 and B-21 acquisition.
The service said integrating third-party autonomous software is a major step on developing drones that can fly themselves alongside jets like the F-35.
The 30,000-pound guided bomb is designed to penetrate an estimated 200 feet through rock or other hard substances before destroying enemy labs or bunkers.
