The Marine Corps' F-35B Lightning II has conducted its first combat strike, a ground clearance operation to support Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan.

The F-35B launched an airstrike for ground clearance operations on Thursday, which was deemed effective by commanders on the ground.

"The F-35B is a significant enhancement in theater amphibious and air warfighting capability, operational flexibility, and tactical supremacy," Vice Adm. Scott Stearney, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said in a statement.

"As part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, this platform supports operations on the ground from international waters, all while enabling maritime superiority that enhances stability and security," Stearney said.

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is the first combat-deployed Marine unit to replace the venerable AV-8B Harrier with the F35B Lightning II stealth fighter.

The F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 are stationed on the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex as part of Essex Amphibious Ready Group.

The F-35 is a 5th-generation multi-role stealth fighter that is being acquired by the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps to replace and supplement much of their air fleets. Partner nations such as Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia and others are participating in the program.

Three different variants are being produced to meet each service's and international customer's needs and is expected to enter full service and production over the next several years. Israel has already sent the F-35I on combat missions.

The F-35B is the vertical take-off and landing version designed for Marine Corps use off of amphibious assault carriers like the Wasp. It is anticipated to fully replace the decades-old Harrier by 2025.

Harris to provide modernization services for F-35 aircraft
Washington (UPI) Sep 27, 2018 –

Lockheed Martin has selected Harris Corporation to develop the Integrated Core Processor for the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter.

The F-35's ICP processes data for communications, sensors, electronic warfare systems, control systems and cockpit displays including the helmet, and is considered a key part of the "Technology Refresh 3" for the aircraft.

Lockheed Martin said Thursday that competition in the F-35 supply chain will significantly reduce costs and increase the plane's capabilities.

"We are aggressively pursuing cost reduction across the F-35 enterprise and, after conducting a thorough review and robust competition, we're confident the next generation Integrated Core Processor will reduce costs and deliver transformational capabilities for the warfighter," Greg Ulmer, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin, said in a statement.

"The next generation Integrated Core Processor for the F-35 will have positive benefits for all customers in terms of life cycle cost, capability, reliability and more," Ulmer said.

The Integrated Core Processor is part of the Technology Refresh 3 program that is meant to update F-35's computer systems. Other parts of the refresh include the Panoramic Cockpit Display Electronic Unit and Aircraft Memory System. Both will be handled by Harris, according to Lockheed.

"The new F-35 ICP will pave the way for system scalability well into the future," Ed Zoiss, president of Harris Electronic Systems, said in a press release.

The F-35 is a 5th-generation stealth fighter that is being purchased by the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps as replacements for much of their air fleets. Partner nations including Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia and many others are invested in the plane

Three different variants are being produced to meet the needs of each U.S service and international customer. The aircraft is now beginning to enter operational service with the United States.

The program has seen significant cost overruns and is the most expensive weapons program in U.S. history. It has been plagued by delays, software bugs, hardware problems and other issues.

It is meant to serve as the primary U.S. stealth fighter platform with the F-22 Raptor for years to come, with some estimates stretching it's role for the next several decades.

Test planes have already been exported to partner nations, including Israel, Japan and the United Kingdom. Thousands are expected to be purchased by the U.S. and allied nations for the indefinite future.