OTTAWA — The F-35 stealth fighter, described by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “far from working,” has been declared by the U.S. Air Force as ready for combat. In a statement Tuesday, U.S. Air Force Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, said the air force version of the aircraft has met all key criteria for reaching initial operational capability. The U.S. Marines had earlier declared another version of the F-35 ready for combat. During last year’s election campaign, Trudeau promised Canada would not purchase the F-35, an aircraft he said was too expensive and unnecessary for the country’s needs. But aerospace industry officials say the declaration that F-35A is ready for combat is good news for the troubled aircraft program.

Source: National Post August 02, 2016 23:37 UTC