Following problems with the F-35 fighter evident with the recent F-35 crash in the South China Sea, the US Department of Defense, together with the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO), has successfully completed the first phase of deploying new hardware for the US’ top military fighter jet.

The jet, which operates on the legacy Autonomic Logistics Information Systems (ALIS), will be replaced by the more modern information system Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN). Announced in early 2020, replacing the outdated F-35 ALIS comes as part of the Standard Operating Unit unclassified (SOU-U) server.

This new, cloud-based operating system was a massive reduction in aircraft weight as the hardware is 75% smaller and lighter. Reports have said that ODIN systems can fit into two suitcase-sized cases, replacing over 800 pounds of equipment from the previous ALIS. Processing times were also said to be greatly decreased at 50%, thus making it easier to operate. It also has the potential to host multiple squadrons on just one server, making the system more flexible for operations.

ODIN was also said to be more cost-efficient as it was reported to be 30% less costly to produce – making it more affordable for the Air Force for future manufacturing.