Lockheed Martin appointed a new F-35 program leader on April 5th, who has experience in overseeing the maintenance of the aircraft and public opinion on joint attacksfighterThe operation and maintenance costs have been criticized. Starting from April 12th, Bridget Lauderdale will serve as Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 program. Lauderdale currently leads the F-16 and F-22 programs as the head of Lockheed Integrated Fighter Group. Prior to this, she served as the Vice President of Lockheed's F-35 Global Support Team. She is responsible for managing the spare parts inventory of the F-35, reducing aircraft operating costs, and improving aircraft availability.

As the leader of the F-35 program, Lauderdale will be responsible for collaborating with domestic and international clients to ensure the delivery of the most cost-effective fifth generation aircraft for the F-35 program, enhancing capabilities through stable modernization programs. The company stated in a press release that it has improved availability while reducing overall operational and maintenance costs. When she was promoted to the position of F-35 General Manager, the program took into account expensive operating and maintenance costs, which made the US military feel very uncomfortable. In February of this year, General CQ Brown, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, admitted that the Air Force was considering reducing its plan to purchase 1763 F-35As in order to purchase lower priced F-16 alternatives. At the same time, Lockheed is discussing a performance-based logistics contract option, which company officials say will reduce the cost per flight hour from the current $36000 per hour to below $25000 in fiscal year 2012.F-35The Enterprise also faces a shortage of F135 engines produced by Pratt&Whitney, which has a different contract with Lockheed's F-35 aircraft.

OJ Sanchez，F-22The Vice President of the project will temporarily take over the leadership of the Integrated Fighter Group as the company is seeking a permanent replacement in Lauderdale. Bridget, Bill, and Doug are all experienced leaders with unique qualifications to lead these critical business projects. Their choices demonstrate the strength and depth of Lockheed Martin's leadership succession plan, "Ulmer said in a statement. They bring a profound understanding of the airline's product portfolio and strong customer relationships. Key leadership shifts like this enable us to accelerate our ability to meet urgent global customer needs, and we will work tirelessly together to develop many game changing products and services to support our combat personnel.