Taking Political Risks in Defense Project Management Seriously: Lessons from the Canadian F-35 Procurement Case

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has become a core weapons system for the Armed Forces of multiple countries. In some respects, the Tier development program rolled out by the U.S. for this platform has been highly successful; for example, it has reduced per-unit production costs and maintained relatively high and consistent delivery numbers. However, serious issues have also emerged: the real figure to maintain and frequently update a fifth-generation F-35 throughout its lifetime (sustainment costs), for example, is much higher than the acquisition cost. We argue that the purchase of equipment of this kind, designed to be the backbone of an integrated military apparatus for many decades, is more than a strictly technical or military issue, and its political dimensions also raise significant management issues for those in charge of procurement. In particular, any misalignment of political and strategic military visions has the capacity to undermine even the best project management.