Marines Declare F-35B Operational; Squadron In Yuma, Ariz., Ready To Deploy

The U.S. Marine Corps says its version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is finally ready for combat, reports the Washington Post.

The Marine Corps announced on Friday that the F-35B has achieved initial operational capacity (IOC).

The Marine variant, which costs about US$104 million per plane, is equipped with short-takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) capabilities. The latest models -- the most expensive -- cost about US$134 million each, noted the Wall Street Journal.

A...