Aviation News – The U.S. Navy is resorting to salvaging spare parts from grounded systems to keep its active fleet operational, according to a new government watchdog report highlighting critical maintenance and data rights challenges.
The report, released this week, revealed that the Navy’s reliance on contractors stems from incomplete data rights for several major weapons systems, including the F/A-18 and F-35 fighter jets, the Littoral Combat Ship, the Stryker Combat Vehicle, and the Virginia-class Submarine. Without sufficient access to technical data, the Navy’s in-house teams cannot perform full depot-level maintenance, prolonging repair times and reducing fleet readiness.
Depot-level sustainment involves highly specialized work, often requiring proprietary technical information held by defense contractors. Because the Pentagon lacks full data ownership, the Navy has been forced into “vendor lock,” where only original manufacturers can provide maintenance support or replacement parts—creating costly and time-consuming delays in fleet sustainment.
“This situation underscores the importance of securing comprehensive technical data rights during system acquisition,” a Defense Department spokesperson said. “Without them, our ability to maintain and deploy assets efficiently is severely limited.”
The findings are expected to drive renewed calls within the Pentagon and Congress for reforms in how data rights are negotiated with defense contractors. Greater data ownership could enable faster repairs, cost savings, and stronger operational independence for the armed forces.
In the long term, the Navy’s reliance on salvaged components illustrates a broader challenge facing U.S. defense readiness. Ensuring future programs secure full technical data rights will be key to sustaining the nation’s technological edge and operational efficiency.
Photo Jeroen Vogelaar