F-35 Reaches Critical Juncture After Strong Year, Official Says

F-35 Reaches Critical Juncture After Strong Year, Official Says: Acting Undersecretary Of Defense For Acquisition Calls Airplane 'Essential' The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program -- the centerpiece of future tactical aviation and a key to implementing new military strategic guidance -- made strong progress in its development last year, a defense official said Wednesday. Frank Kendall, the acting undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, told the House Armed Services Committee that the fighter aircraft is essential to the Defense Department.