US Air Force announced on Tuesday, July 2, 2016, that multipurpose fighter Lockheed Martin F-35A has reached the first level of combat readiness (IOC).

“I am proud to announce this powerful new weapons system has achieved initial combat capability,” said Gen. Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, Commander of Air Combat Command (ACC) at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.

The current definition of the US Air Force that allows a platform to be declared primary combat ready is to have available a minimum of 12 pieces of it, which can provide a major close air support, conduct air combat and have limited opportunities for suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses. As well as these platforms to have enough pilots and technicians.

Currently, the first squadron of the US Air Force, which reached the initial level of combat readiness is 34th based in Hill, Utah. It has 15 pieces F-35A and theoretically can participate in hostilities.

General Carlisle predicted that in the next 18 months the squadron will be located for trial in Europe or the Pacific.

The available F-35A enter the arms with a software standard Block 3I, which has a number of limitations. Full military capabilities are expected with Block 3F in 2017 and deploying full potential with Block 4 in 2021.

Marine Corps announced its first squadron armed with F-35B for partially combat ready in July 2015. It is expected the US Navy to announce the same for its F-35C in 2019. The delay in the announcement of the initial level of combat readiness is five years, compared with the original plans.