Lockheed Martin sends new batch of F-35B Lightning II fifth-generation fighters to the UK

The Royal British Air Force has received a new batch of F-35B Lightning II fifth-generation fighters. The planes have arrived at the base in Norfolk.

Here's What We Know

Lockheed Martin has sent two aircraft to the United Kingdom from its Fort Worth, Texas, plant. The fifth-generation fighters arrived with the UK Royal Air Force's Voyager air tanker.

The United Kingdom has already received over 30 F-35B Lightning II fighters. A few years ago, one of them crashed while landing on the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. The UK has bought a total of 48 fifth-generation fighters for the Air Force and Navy.

The United Kingdom ordered only the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. Deliveries will last until 2025. It is not excluded that the UK will order a few dozen more fighters, but the final decision has not yet been made.

Initially the United Kingdom was planning to buy 148 F-35B fighters. Now discussions are underway regarding the purchase of 74 planes. This number will be enough to meet NATO's air policing commitments, and deliveries could start at the end of this decade.

Source: @RAF_Marham