F-35 IOC Dates

摘要

The Air Force intends to declare initial operational capability for the F-35A strike fighter sometime between August and December 2016, meaning the aircraft will be ready for initial real-world operations, service officials told Congress. That's when the first F-35A operational squadron will have 12 to 24 aircraft in place and sufficient airmen will be trained to fly and maintain them, stated a Pentagon report issued to lawmakers on May 31. At IOC, the F-35As will be capable of conducting basic close air support, interdiction, and limited suppression and destruction of enemy air defense operations in a contested environment, stated the report.