The "Milestone C" decision is a crucial moment signifying the department's confidence in the performance of the F-35 and maturity of Lockheed Martin's production system, though the plane has been in service for years.
“Future combat employment is about kill chains and kill webs, it’s about systems of systems warfare,” and pilot training has to reflect that, Col. Matt Ryan told Breaking Defense.
It’s about improving existing platforms with autonomy, and applying AI, edge computing, quantum encryption, and sensor fusion.
While over 900 F-35s have been produced, the program has technically been stuck in its initial operational testing phase for years over the delayed completion of the trials.
“It's not like, you know, Candy Crush Saga or Wordle, or even the video game your kids play,” Lt. Gen. Eric Fick said of the Joint Simulation Environment needed to carry out F-35 testing. “It doesn't just have to look right, it has to be right at the digital level.”
Before the F-35 can be declared ready for full-rate production, it must complete tests in the Pentagon's Joint Simulation Environment.
"I don't sense that the lack of that milestone is doing anything other than providing a launching point for criticism of the program," JPO Director Lt. Gen. Eric Fick said.
The jet-powered transport’s speed, survivability and multi-mission agility position it as a viable option to the C-130 for the US and NATO allies.
"As of yesterday, F-35 flight test organizations have ceased flight operations, but organizations that can continue verification activities via telework are continuing to do so," Brandi Schiff, JPO spokesman, said yesterday in an email.