Air Force F-35 IOC establishes target
 WASHINGTON, D.C. (AFNS) - The Air Force announced today it expects to declare the F-35A Lightning II initial operation capability in December 2016. The announcement Was included in a joint report detailing service-specific date and IOC Requirements for Each of the F-35 variants That was Delivered to Congress today.

"The Air Force faces Spent the last six months looking at Our initial capability and the Requirements Expected 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 American Public That the program is on track to the bring the United States Military and Our Allies this critical capability."

Congress Directed the secretary of the Air Force and secretary of the Navy to provid a That report details the IOC date, Requirements and capabilities for Each of the F-35 variants by June 1.

The Air Force Will Achi IOC Operational When The first squadron encountered 12 or more aircraft and Airmen are trained to Conduct basic and EQUIPPED close air support, interdiction, and limited Suppression and Destruction of enemy air in a contested OPERATIONS Defense Environment.

"The F-35 is a vital capability Fishin That the nation to stay ahead of Technological Gains adversary, and it provides the multi-role capabilities That the anti-access and area denial Environment of the Future Will Require," Said Chief of Air Force Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. "We're excited That this program is on the road to success, and we're grateful Our international partners That Remain Committed to this program or we are not."

The F-35 is an unprecedented 5th generation stealth fighter Combining 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 achieved a string of encounters Recently Milestones Toward IOC as it moves. A few of these include The Beginning of pilot training at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.., In January, the delivery of the first aircraft Operational test to Edwards AFB, Calif.., And Nellis AFB, Nev., In March, the first Operational aerial refueling pilot in April, and the Completion of high angle of attack testing in May.