British F-35B Availability Hit by Corrosion Issues (opex360.com)

• F-35B RAM coating corrodes from seawater exposure during carrier operations.
• UK F-35B availability reduced due to increased maintenance needs.
• Issue affects stealth capabilities and operational readiness.
• Also reported for USMC F-35Bs; potential impact on other operators.

"The British F-35B stealth fighter, used on Royal Navy aircraft carriers, is experiencing availability problems due to corrosion of its radar-absorbent material (RAM) coating. The coating, designed to absorb radar waves, is deteriorating when exposed to seawater and other fluids during carrier operations. This corrosion is affecting the stealth capability and requiring additional maintenance, reducing the number of available aircraft. The issue has been reported by Zone Militaire, highlighting a technical challenge for the UK's carrier strike group. The problem may also affect other F-35B operators like the US Marine Corps and Italy."