Aircraft
The F-35A Goes Operational in the U.S. Air Force
A 12-aircraft squadron could now deploy, but with interim capabilities for the time being.
The 34th Fighter Squadron of the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill AFB is the first USAF F-35A unit to become operational. (Photo: USAF)
The 34th Fighter Squadron of the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill AFB is the first USAF F-35A unit to become operational. (Photo: USAF)

The U.S. Air Force has declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the F-35A Lightning II. A squadron of 12 aircraft at Hill AFB is theoretically available for deployment worldwide, to conduct close air support, interdiction and “limited” S/DEAD (suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses) missions. But in a media briefing at the Pentagon to mark the occasion, Air Combat Command (ACC) commander Gen. Hawk Carlisle cautioned that various capabilities are still awaited.


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