That word 'operational is a bit puzzling, since IOC is still years away. But I suppose it's a step forward. Isn't it?
Initial operating capability or
Initial operational capability (IOC) is the state achieved when a
capability is available in its minimum usefully deployable form. (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Initia...ing_capability )
The term as used here probably means the airplane was delivered in a configuration that makes it (minimally) operational. IOC is achieved when (for example) an entire squadron of such aircraft are delivered, along with the support equipment, spares, tools, test equipment, and enough operators, maintainers, etc are trained for that squadron to deploy. At least that's what happened when USMC declared IOC. USAF operates differently so the details of their definition is probably different.