The Missile Defense Agency has declared full operational capability for its Combined Test Force, now located at Huntsville, Ala. The agency has been moving personnel from scattered test elements to Huntsville because it “recognized a need for an integrated approach to testing and analysis of the entire [ballistic missile defense system] not just separate elements,” states an MDA news release. The CTF consolidation and move predates the relocation of the rest of MDA, principally from the Washington, D.C. area, to Huntsville, per BRAC 2005.
For years, sustainment challenges and spare parts shortages have hindered the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s readiness. But the Air Force’s experience flying F-35s heavily in operations against Iran have showed what the jet can be capable of, if maintainers get all the supplies and support they need.
