Vice Adm. David Venlet, head of the F-35 project, told reporters on Thursday that the initial operational capability of the jet might be after 2016.
“Our [Technical Baseline Review] schedule now shows development test completing in ’16. Realistically, I don’t see it being in ’16 for Air Force and Navy,” he said.
However, he said the program is making progress and production of new jets have stabilized.