Combat Aircraft is reporting that the F-35’s first squadron has been declared Initial Operating Capability- IOC. Of course, how close to actual combat ready the airframe really is may be up for debate according to some sources. How accurate that report is, I don’t know.
That’s been part of the problem with keeping track of the F-35 program. While there have certainly been some problems, at this point, it’s hard to filter what is actual problem, and what is simply “haters gonna hate”.
I’ll admit- I’ve not been a fan of the project, but as it gets closer to FOC (Full Operating Capability), things are coming together.
And I hope it continues. We have no choice. This thing has to work.
(Image from CombatAircraft.net. It’s a great magazine that I highly recommend. Subscribe here.)
