DoD OKs Operational Test of Lockheed-Built F-35

Lockheed Martin has received approval from the Defense Department to start full combat testing of its F-35 fighter aircraft, Bloomberg reported Friday.

Ellen Lord, defense undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment, cleared the plan for the fighter jet to begin operational tests after “concurring” with the recommendation of the program manager to kick off testing in mid-November, Air Force Lt. Col. Mike Andrews, Lord’s spokesman, told the publication in a statement.

The report said DoD will use the results from the combat testing to decide whether to move the F-35 program to full-production phase in 2019.

Vice Adm. Mat Winter, F-35 program manager, said favorable test results would pave the way for a contract to begin full-rate production of up to 168 lot 13 fighter jets.

The approval came a week after Lockheed and the Pentagon finalized a potential $11.5B contract for the company to build 141 lot 11 F-35 fighter jets for the U.S. and foreign allies.