With the recent arrival of two new units at RAF Marham air base, the Royal Air Force continues to expand its fleet of fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighter jets. Both aircraft landed in the United Kingdom today, having departed from Lockheed Martin’s facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
According to the Royal Air Force, the transatlantic flight of the new fighters was supported by a Voyager refueling aircraft. These new Lightning II aircraft “…represent the UK’s ongoing effort to maintain advanced airpower and a major step forward in the F-35 program,” the RAF stated.
It is worth recalling that the Royal Air Force’s acquisition of F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighters has faced several challenges, including budgetary constraints. These variations and circumstances led to a fleet reduction, with the total number planned adjusted to 138 units. Although the RAF and the Ministry of Defence have worked to uphold this number, until recently, only the purchase of 74 Lightning IIs had been officially confirmed.
In 2024, the UK Government reaffirmed its commitment to acquiring 138 F-35 Lightning II jets, fifth-generation fighters to be operated by both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. “…The UK’s first F-35B Lightning II aircraft arrived at RAF Marham in June 2018 to form 617 Squadron ‘The Dambusters’, while 207 Squadron, the UK’s Operational Conversion Unit, was established at the same location in 2019. In December 2023, Naval Squadron 809 ‘The Immortals’ was reactivated at Marham…”
One of the most recent milestones for the UK’s F-35B Lightning II fleet was their deployment aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. As part of Operation Highmast — a major UK naval deployment to the Indo-Pacific — two squadrons of F-35Bs from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force embarked on the carrier.
“…Operation Highmast marks a key milestone for the Lightning program… We are on track to achieve full operating capability for the F-35 in the UK, with the ability to deploy two squadrons from the maritime operating base…,” said Group Captain Butcher, commander of the Lightning Air Wing.
Cover image: Royal Air Force
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