The first squadron of F-35B Lightning II fighter jets have been declared operational, Reuters reports ahead of an expected official announcement later today.

It's a big moment for the long-delayed, over-budget F-35, perhaps the most expensive weapon ever developed. The F-35B model is a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the aircraft, using fancy hardware to aim engine thrust down, allowing the plane to take off and land at much slower airspeeds or even land vertically, helicopter-style.

The first squadron of F-35s, part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing out of Yuma, Arizona, could be deployed to Japan as soon as January 2017. But, with the planes now deemed combat-ready, they could be sent to any conflict in the world.

The Marines plan to eventually acquire a total of 420 F-35B and C class (carrier-equipped) jets, along with hundreds more by the Air Force and Navy. The planes have been in the works for a decade-and-a-half—at least now we have something to show for our billions and billions and billions of dollars.