The U.S. Marine Corps has declared that 10 F-35B fighter jets have achieved initial operational capability (IOC), which means they are suitable for combat.

The F-35B Lightning II fighter jets have been developed by Lockheed Martin. The F-35B is the fifth-generation fighter jet and is similar to the F-22. The fighter jet is capable of landing vertically and make short take-offs.

Frank Kendall, the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, says that achieving the operational capabilities of the F-35B is a big milestone in the evolution of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. The IOC was given to F-35B following full operational inspection.

"This accomplishment is an affirmation that the F-35 program is on track to deliver essential 5th generation warfighting capabilities to our U.S. services and international partners," says Kendall.

Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan, the Executive Officer of the F-35 Program, writes on the U.S. Marine Corps' official website, that on May 31, 2013, the agency sent a letter to Congress that F-35B will achieve IOC between July and December 2015 and now the F-35B are fit for combat.

The team has been working hard for more than two years on the project and has been working with other agencies to meet the goal. The team has shown dedication and professionalism by reaching the IOC for the F-35B at the start of the six-month window.

"The F-35 Joint Program Office, our industry partners, and the Marines have worked through a number of challenges as we focused on delivering a stealth fighter that could fly faster than the speed of sound, carry its weapons internally, conduct short take offs and vertical landings, and be deployed from amphibious ships and austere bases," added Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan.

The Marine Corps has also qualified and trained over 50 Marine F-35B pilots and certified around 500 maintenance personnel to undertake support for the fighter jets.

Check out a short video about the F-35B fighter jet.

Photo: US Military Aircraft | Flickr