F-35 production Approved
 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp. has been cleared to start building F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production models for the U.S. military, a watershed for the costliest weapons procurement ever, the Pentagon said Thursday.

The Defense Department approved the release of full funding for two conventional F-35 aircraft, plus "long lead" funding for 12 planes to be built in a second batch, a statement from the Pentagon's top weapons-buyer said. Until now, the aircraft built have been prototypes and test planes.