RAF Marham is the home of the F-35 Lightning, a 5th Generation, multi-role, stealth fighter.
The Station is also home to a range of engineering support functions from maintenance to frontline support. Over 3600 Service Personnel, civil servants and contractors work at RAF Marham.
Group Captain Boyd took command of RAF Marham on 27 September 2024.
RAF Marham was first opened in 1916 to defend Norfolk from raids by the German Zeppelin airships during World War One.
After being mothballed between the wars, Marham re-opened in 1937. By the time war broke out in 1939, it was home to a fleet of Wellington bombers, which flew on some of the first raids of the war.
Twin-engine Mosquitos and Stirling heavy bombers were also based at Marham during the war. Through the 1950 and 60s, it was home to a succession of flying tanker units, as the RAF pioneered air-to-air refuelling.
The first Tornado’s arrived in 1982 and in 1990 RAF Marham Tornado Squadrons deployed to the Middle East in what was the start of over 25 years continuous operations in the region.
2006 saw the final Canberra Sqn, 39 (PRU) Sqn disband at RAF Marham.
In 2018 617 Squadron ‘The Dambusters’ arrived at RAF Marham as the first F-35B UK Lightning Squadron. 207 Squadron followed in 2019 with 809 (NAS) standing up at RAF Marham in Dec 2023.
The beloved Tornado GR4 retired in 2019, after nearly four decades of being in operation and keeping the UK and fellow allies safe.
1916 Marham opened as a training establishment and night landing ground.
1937 RAF Marham re-opened as a heavy bomber unit.
1957 The Atom Bomb arrived at RAF Marham.
1977 Her Majesty the Queen became the Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Marham.
1982 Victor aircraft from RAF Marham took part in the Operation Black Buck.
1990 Tornado aircraft deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Granby.
1982 First Tornado GR1 aircraft arrived at RAF Marham.
2006 Canberra aircraft retired from service.
2011 Tornada GR4’s flew a 3000 mile round trip from Marham to carry out strikes against targets in Libya as part of Operation ELLAMY
2013 Announcement made that RAF Marham would be designated as the sole operating base for the UK F-35B Lightning
2016 RAF Marham celebrated the centenary of the station.
2018 F-35Bs arrived at RAF Marham.
2019 Tornado GR4 retired from service, The F-35B Lightning Force declared initial operating capability.
2023 809 Naval Air Squadron became the nation’s second front-line fighter unit operating the F-35B Lightning.
2024 617 Squadron took part in Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER, NATO’s biggest exercise since the Cold War.
2024 809 NAS conducted their first independent sortie.
2024 Lightning Force aircraft participated in a number of Operations/ Exercises such as Op MASTERER, Ex AGILE SHEILD and Ex STRIKE WARRIOR.
