The UK formally announced its intention to acquire the F-35B Lightning in 2006. For many years, the country’s JSF programme was known as Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA), which remained F-35B based until the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, which switched the British requirement to the F-35C.

In 2024, the United Kingdom Government reaffirmed its commitment to its program of record of 138 F-35 aircraft to be operated by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. The UK’s first F-35Bs, arrived at RAF Marham in June 2018 to form 617 Sqn ‘Dambusters’, while 207 Squadron, the UK’s Operational Conversion Unit, was stood up in the same ...

Responding on 29th October 2024, Defence Minister Lord Coaker confirmed the anticipated number, stating, “It is anticipated that the UK will have 41 F-35Bs on inventory by May 2025.” This update aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s ongoing efforts to meet its fleet expansion goals.

2024年3月30日 · Updates on the UK's F-35 Lightning Force, highlighting operational advancements and budget ringfencing for 74 jets.

2022年9月13日 · UK’s F-35 Jets to Reach Full Operational Capability by 2025. The UK’s expected full operating capability (FOC) date for the initial two squadrons of F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters has been confirmed as likely to be reached in 2025, representing a departure from timelines discussed as early as last year.

2024年11月16日 · By the end of 2024, the UK will have acquired 37 of the first 48 F-35B aircraft batch. In a recent parliamentary exchange, Labour MP Luke Akehurst sought details on the progress of the UK’s F-35B procurement. His question to the Ministry of Defence, dated 12th September 2024, asked:

2024年7月28日 · Professor Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow for air power and technology at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), says the F-35 is essential to maintaining British airpower through to the 2030s, when Tempest is expected to come online.

2023年4月4日 · The UK’s fleet of cutting-edge F-35 Lightning fighter jets will have continued support thanks to a new contract to keep them ready for global operations. The joint Royal Navy and RAF stealth jets will be maintained and supported in a £161m contract. Based at RAF Marham, home of the UK Lightning Force, the investment sustains around 140 UK jobs.

2025年2月12日 · Meteor is the UK’s primary air-to-air missile and is carried on operations by Typhoon, with this step being progress towards enabling Meteor’s capability on F-35. While the UK is leading the integration campaign for F-35B, Italy is sponsoring integration onto the F-35A model, allowing both aircraft types to take advantage of Meteor’s ...

2024年1月11日 · The United Kingdom now has two frontline F-35 squadrons, adding strength and numbers to allied deterrence and NATO. 809 Naval Air Squadron will operate F-35Bs from RAF Marham, alongside Britain’s other operational F-35B squadron.