(Reuters) – The F-35 fighter jet program has reached full production after successfully completing a crucial series of tests last year, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) said on Tuesday.
Full-scale production, known as Milestone C, in the advanced fighter program marks the completion of operational testing, allowing the Pentagon’s acquisition chief to approve “full-scale” production.
Reaching full production capacity could lead to increased funding, either through progress funding or increased aircraft production, which would benefit Lockheed Martin (NYSE:), the F-35 prime contractor.
“This decision, supported by my colleagues across the Department, reassures the Services, F-35 program partners and foreign defense sales customers that the F-35 is stable and agile, and that all legal and regulatory requirements have been properly met. ” said William A. LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Supply.
However, a long-standing issue with TR-3 technology upgrades remains unresolved, potentially the final hurdle for Lockheed Martin to collect the full amount it charges for each plane it sells.
The program has already delivered more than 990 F-35 aircraft to various customers, including the US military, international partners and foreign military companies.