The Defense Department announced the decision to move forward with full-rate production on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. William LaPlante, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, signed a memo approving Milestone C. The decision came after a four-year delay and challenges with Joint Simulation Environment tests.
The Pentagon stated that Milestone C approval is crucial for efficiently producing and delivering the next generation of F-35 jets. Lockheed Martin is already building F-35s at full capacity, with about 150 jets produced annually. Focus now shifts to the future of the F-35 program, aiming to continually improve sustainability, interoperability, and lethality.
The F-35 completed Joint Simulation Environment tests in September, analyzing scenarios like defensive counter-air and destruction of enemy air defense. The Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, produced a report based on the test data, leading to the milestone C decision. There are ongoing efforts to address concerns and recommendations to improve test infrastructure for future upgrades.
Over 990 F-35s have been delivered to various branches of the U.S. military, allies, and foreign customers. William LaPlante highlighted the program’s stability and agility, illustrating readiness for full-rate production.
