Reprogramming lab falling short

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) has come under criticism from the Department of Defense (DoD) for apparent deficiencies at an F-35 software reprogramming laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base. In a January report, the DoD's office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E), indicated that the F-35 United States Reprogramming Laboratory (USRL) is falling short in its mission of testing and improving software essential for the F-35. In its annual report on testing and evaluation in 2019-20 fiscal year, the DOT&E says the USRL is not able to adequately test and improve the F-35s mission data files that provide the fighter jet with the ability to search for and identify hostile targets. The report says the USRL lacks adequate equipment to be able to test and optimize the mission data files under conditions stressing enough to ensure adequate performance against current and future threats in near-peer combat. Among the recommendations in the report, the office calls for obtaining "adequate funding to develop and sustain robust laboratory and simulation environments." The report also calls for ensuring "adequate lab infrastructure" to meet timelines for the operational requirements for the latest F-35s and the fighter program's Continuous Capability Development & Delivery strategy. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 04/08/21)