The announcement marks a significant step in the largest weapons program in history.
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The U.S. Marine Corps declared initial operational capability (IOC) of the F-35B Lightning II on July 31, a milestone that represents official recognition that the vertical takeoff and landing variant of the fighter is ready for combat.
“It is capable of conducting close air support, offensive and defensive counter air, air interdiction, assault support escort and armed reconnaissance as part of a Marine Air Ground Task Force, or in support of the joint force”, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford said in a statement. Besides the total program cost, the price tag per plane is huge, averaging an estimated 5 million, with the Navy and Marine versions considerably more expensive than the one the Air Force will use.
Early technical challenges delayed the Marines’ move by three years from its original target.
The F-35 is a crucial program for its prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, and for the engine makers, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls Royce.
Yet questions remain about the military’s investment.
Singer also noted that the F-35 program “has been hacked at least three times” and that most of its computer chips are manufactured in China and Taiwan, potentially leaving the plane vulnerable to computer viruses or backdoors granting Chinese hackers access to the jet’s systems. But he called for vigilance to ensure sufficient training and spare parts were available for sustained combat operations.
The Air Force is expected to declare its version of the F-35 ready for war next year; the Navy, in 2018 or 2019. In our legacy fleet, we resource our sustainment accounts in order to achieve between 70 and 75% readiness.
The Marine Corps plans to send the first squadron of F-35B jets to Iwakuni, Japan, in January 2017, but Friday’s declaration means they could respond to a crisis anywhere in the world.
Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall called the Joint Strike Fighter’s launch an “affirmation that the F-35 program is on track to deliver essential 5th generation warfighting capabilities to our U.S. services and global partners”. So far, the Marines have qualified 50 F-35B pilots and 500 maintenance personnel. Software still being tested will allow the warplanes to carry more weapons and integrate full night-vision capability.
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The Marine F-35 – which can take off from short runways and land vertically like a helicopter – will replace the Corps’ AV-8B Harriers, F/A-18 Hornets, and EA-6B Prowler.
