The Air Force announced today it expects to declare F-35A Lightning II initial operation capability in December 2016. The announcement was included in a joint report detailing service-specific IOC requirements and dates for every of the F-35 variants that was brought to Congress today.
“The Air Force has spent the last six months watching our initial capability requirements and the predicted availability date. This announcement is exciting news for the Air Force,” said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley. “It highlights to members of Congress, our international partners, and the yankee public that this system is heading in the right direction to bring the usa military and our allies this critical capability.”
Congress directed the secretary of the Air Force and secretary of the Navy to supply a report that details the IOC dates, requirements and capabilities for every of the F-35 variants by June 1.
The Air Force will achieve IOC when the primary operational squadron has 12 or more aircraft and Airmen are trained and equipped to conduct basic close air support, interdiction, and limited suppression and destruction of enemy air defense operations in a contested environment.
“The F-35 is a crucial capability that the nation must stay sooner than adversary technological gains, and it provides the multi-role capabilities that the anti-access and area denial environment of the long run would require,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. “We’re excited that this program is at the road to success, and we’re grateful that our international partners remain as committed to this program as we’re.”
The F-35 is an unprecedented 5th generation fighter combining stealth technology with fighter speed and agility, fully integrated sensors and network enabled operations, and state-of-the-art avionics.
The world’s most advanced fighter has achieved a string of milestones recently because it moves toward IOC. some of these include the start of pilot training at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., in January; the delivery of the 1st operational test aircraft to Edwards AFB, Calif., and Nellis AFB, Nev., in March; the primary operational pilot aerial refueling in April; and the completion of high angle of attack testing in May.