The end of July has seen the successful completion of a significant milestone on the F-35B. Having been declared fit for Initial Operating Capability (IOC) by the US Marine Corps, this is a noteworthy moment in the lifespan of the programme, with a squadron of 10 F-35Bs now ready for world-wide deployment.

Here at Cobham, employees from across the business have worked tirelessly to provide faultless products from tip to tail on the F-35B.

On board every F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is more than 100 Cobham components, including microwave systems, pilot survival products and aerial refuelling equipment.

The future of Marine Corps tactical aviation, the F-35 will eventually replace three legacy platforms: the AV 8B Harrier, the F/A-18 Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler.

"The success...is a reflection of the hard work and effort by the Marines in the squadron, those involved in the program over many years, and the support we have received from across the Department of the Navy, the Joint Program Office, our industry partners, and the Under Secretary of Defence. Achieving IOC has truly been a team effort," commented General Joseph Dunford, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

A thanks to all Cobham employees who have been a part of this achievement, and are still and will continue to work towards delivering excellent Cobham products for essential defence platforms, such as the F-35.