USAF declares first F-35A squadron combat ready

The F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter aircraft was declared �combat ready� by Gen. Hawk Carlisle, the commander of the USAF Air Combat Command, Aug 2. �I am proud to announce this powerful new weapons system has achieved initial combat capability,� Carlisle said. �The F-35A will be the most dominant aircraft in our inventory because it can go where our legacy aircraft cannot and provide the capabilities our commanders need on the modern battlefield.� 

An F-35A Lightning II takes off from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, on Sept. 17, 2015
(Credit: USAF/Alex R. Lloyd)

Read more