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

On September 21, 2023, the tests of the program under the name JSE (Joint Simulation Environment) were completed. This was announced by Russell Goemaere, representative of the F-35 program office. Now the Operational Tests and Evaluation Department will analyze the received data. The report must be submitted to the US Department of Defense by the end of this year. Many JSE results will be classified.

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

Completion of the JSE is a significant milestone for the programme. This step should be taken before the initial operational testing and evaluation phase is completed. The US Department of Defense can now move to Milestone C; This means official authorization to start full-scale production.

A decision will probably be made in 2024. This was recently stated by Lieutenant General Michael Schmidt. However, for the sake of fairness, it is worth noting that permission to start full-scale production will not have a tangible effect. That’s because Lockheed Martin is already operating at nearly full capacity, trying to acquire 150 fighters a year. Source