The US Air Force Just 3D-Printed Its Own F-35 Parts & Didn't Mention Lockheed Martin Once

AI Summary

The US Air Force has started using 3D printing technology to manufacture F-35 parts independently, circumventing traditional supply chain dependencies with Lockheed Martin. This move addresses parts shortages and reduces reliance on external vendors linked to the F-35 program.

The USAF is looking to 3D printing to work around a parts shortage attributed to Lockheed's vendor lock over the F-35 that the US military resents.