F-35B jet BK48 touched down at RAF Marham last week, bringing the total number of operational F-35Bs in the UK fleet to 47 and reaching a significant milestone completing the Initial Procurement Phase of one of the most advanced combat aircraft programmes in the world. The final three aircraft, BK46, BK47 and BK48, delivered by Lockheed Martin, left the assembly line in Fort Worth, Texas, before making the transatlantic crossing to their home here in Norfolk. The journey across the Atlantic was supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker from RAF Brize Norton, ensuring the jets arrived safely.
The F-35B is the backbone of UK air power, operating from both land and sea aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. Each aircraft represents cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced sensors, and unmatched capability to keep the UK and our allies safe.
