The fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jet has completed critical milestone testing that paves the way for full-scale production

The F-35 programme has completed a delayed series of critical milestone tests. It could pave the way for full-scale production of fifth-generation fighters.

Here's What We Know

On 21 September 2023, the programme completed testing called JSE (Joint Simulation Environment). This was announced by Russell Goemaere, a spokesman for the F-35 programme office. The Operational Test and Evaluation Directorate will now analyse the data obtained. The report should be delivered to the US Department of Defence by the end of this year. Many of the JSE results will be classified.

The 64 JSE tests were conducted at Patuxent River Naval Base, Maryland. They were designed to test all three versions of the fifth-generation fighter (F-35A, F-35B and F-35C) in scenarios as close to real combat as possible.

Completion of the JSE is an important milestone for the programme. This step must be taken before the initial operational test and evaluation phase is completed. The US Department of Defence can now move forward with Milestone C, which means official approval to start full-scale production.

A decision will probably be made in 2024. This was recently announced by Lieutenant General Michael Schmidt. But, to be fair, it should be noted that authorisation to launch full-scale production will not have a tangible effect. That's because Lockheed Martin is already operating near full capacity in an attempt to put 150 fighter jets into production each year.

Source: Defence News