Lockheed Martin has announced that the deliveries of TR3-standard F-35 fighters have begun. The TR-3 or Technology Refresh 3 upgrade consists of software and electronics overhauls for the 5th-generation fighter. One of the main reasons behind the upgrades is to provide the processing capability required for the extensive Block 4 upgrade.
The Block 4 upgrade's headlines include the integration of GaN-based APG-85 AESA radar, new munitions (Meteor BVRAAM, SPEAR 3, AARGM-ER, GBU-53 SDB-II...), increased internal weapons bay capacity, and new electronic warfare systems. As reported by Air and Space Force Magazine, the TR-3 upgrade will be delivered in stages due to delays. Originally, TR-3 deliveries in full configuration were planned for 2024. The delays pushed the date to 2025, and 2024 deliveries will be in a trimmed configuration due to challenges with some of the components.
