New Delhi, May 12 -- "With IOC achieved, we now look toward FOC. We await the full allocation of the 20 planned F-35Bs, expected between 2031 and 2033. We must monitor new weapons development, ensure adequate stockpiles, and prepare for retrofit programs leading to full platform maturity. Given programme delays, the AV-8B will continue supporting operations at least until 2028-possibly 2030. We cannot afford to lose the critical mass required to deploy 8-10 aircraft interoperating twice daily. Personnel strategy will be decisive-particularly increasing maintainer numbers to new levels of scale. Full transition means achieving Full Operational Capability of the sea based aerotactical component underpinning Italy's strategic maritime power pr...