UK to modernise fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighters - aircraft will receive critical TR-3 and Block 4 upgrades

The UK Royal Air Force plans to modernise its fleet of fifth-generation F-35B short take-off and vertical landing fighters. This was announced by the UK Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge.

Here's What We Know

Britain's F-35B fighter jets will be upgraded to the latest Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) and Block 4 standards. The United Kingdom has ordered 48 aircraft but could sign a contract for a further 27 fighters. The fleet will increase to 74 since one F-35B crashed a few years ago.

The TR-3 is a hardware and software suite with a new open mission systems architecture. At its core is a processor manufactured by L3Harris. The upgrade increases memory and processing power tenfold.

Lockheed Martin has encountered a problem in developing the software. Because of this, deliveries of the F-35 TR-3 have been halted since July. During the pause, the company will send fifth-generation fighters with TR-3 hardware to a warehouse. Deliveries are not expected to resume until the second quarter of 2024.

Block 4 is a critical upgrade that will define the role of the F-35 Lightning II. All versions of the fifth-generation fighter are subject to the upgrade. It is known that Block 4 will bring improved electronic warfare capabilities. The Pentagon prefers to keep most of the innovations secret.

Source: Janes