F-35C erklært operativ i USN - CNN

Washington (CNN)The US Navy says that its version of the F-35 fighter jet is now ready for combat.

After more than two decades of testing and development, the service announced Thursday that the advanced aircraft has achieved Initial Operating Capability, meaning it passed the proper tests to be flown on missions.

Thursday's announcement comes shortly after the first squadron of Navy F-35s completed aircraft carrier qualifications aboard USS Carl Vinson.

"The F-35C is ready for operations, ready for combat and ready to win," said Vice Admiral DeWolfe Miller, commander of Naval Air Forces. "We are adding an incredible weapon system into the arsenal of our Carrier Strike Groups that significantly enhances the capability of the joint force."

Officially declaring the stealth fighter jet mission-ready represents a major milestone for the Navy and the aircraft's primary contractor Lockheed Martin.

"We congratulate the Department of the Navy on achieving Initial Operational Capability with its fleet of F-35Cs," Greg Ulmer, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of the F-35 program, said in a statement.

"This milestone is the result of unwavering dedication from our joint government and industry team focused on delivering the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter jet in the world to the men and women of the US Navy," he added.