The Royal Air Force (RAF) has received two new F-35B Lightning jets at RAF Marham, marking a significant enhancement to the UK’s carrier strike capabilities.
The jets, supported by an RAF Brize Norton Voyager, will further bolster the UK’s ability to project air power and maintain air superiority as part of the ongoing modernisation of the RAF’s fighter fleet.
The first batch of 47 jets is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025, with funding for an additional tranche of jets delegated by the Ministry of Defence.
The UK intends to increase its Combat Air capacity beyond the 48 F-35 aircraft it has already ordered, as it establishes all seven operational Typhoon Squadrons and grows the Lightning II Force.
The Royal Air Force will develop Typhoon capability, integrate new weapons, and invest in the Radar 2 programme to enhance its capabilities.
The RAF will also integrate more UK weapons onto the Lightning II and ensure its software and capability are updated alongside the rest of the global F 35 fleet.
