The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) is actively addressing corrosion concerns across the F-35 fleet, prioritizing the aircraft’s long-term flight capability and operational reliability, according to a statement from the F-35 JPO Public Affairs Office.
One of the most visible issues is aircraft surface discoloration, particularly observed after deployments in harsh environments.
The statement clarifies that "much of what the public perceives as damage—such as discoloration on jets returning from combat missions—is not indicative of airframe wear."
Operational Challenges at Sea
When deployed on aircraft carriers, F-35s face multiple environmental stressors, including:
Frequent exposure to saltwater
Contamination from grease, oil, and other fluids
Exhaust blast and propeller wash erosion
These conditions can make the aircraft’s coating appear weathered or faded—though this does not necessarily affect performance.
The Fix: A New Coating System
To combat these issues, the JPO has developed an advanced new coating for the F-35, designed to:
✔ Minimize (or eliminate) discoloration
✔ Enhance durability
✔ Extend the coating’s service life
The upgrade will be applied during routine maintenance cycles, similar to coating refurbishments on commercial and military aircraft.