US Marine Corps Declares F-35B Ready for Combat Despite Numerous Hurdles

The F35B model – one of three designs of the multi-role fighter in development since 2001 – can take off from shorter runways and land like a helicopter.

The decision, to be announced formally later Friday, makes the Marines to first US military service to declare an “initial operational capability” of the F-35 fighter, a key milestone for the $391 billion program after years of cost overruns and schedule delays.

Admiral John Richardson, President Barack Obama’s nominee for chief of naval operations, told lawmakers in prepared answers to questions on Thursday that he planned to take a hard look at the Navy’s plans to buy 340 F-35 C-model fighter jets, which have longer wings and can land on aircraft carriers.

“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 a joint force”, he said.

“The decision was made following a thorough operational readiness inspection, which assessed the Marine Corps’ ability to employ this complex weapon system in an operational environment”, said Frank Kendall, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics.

Air Force Lt Gen Christopher Bogdam, program executive for the tri-service F-35 program, said the Marines’ achievement of IOC was “a testament to the professionalism and dedication of the entire F-35 enterprise”.

Although the jets have been declared operational, they are not in their final form. Remington Hall/HandoutTwo US Marine F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters completing vertical landings aboard the USS Wasp (LHD-1) during operational testing on May 18. The F-35B was developed specifically for use by the Marine Corps. “Achieving [initial operating capability] has truly been a team effort”.

To obtain battle-ready status, which the military dubs initial operational capability, a new weapon must meet a series of benchmarks. A second squadron, Marine Attack Squadron 211 (VMA-211), is scheduled to go live next year, followed by Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 (VMFA-122) in 2018.

Two F-35B Joint Strike Fighters flying in a close formation over Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Az.

Earlier this month, the Air Force version of the jet was criticized in a scathing report when test pilots found that it struggled in a dogfight with an older plane it is meant to replace.