F-35 Milestone: UK Completes Initial Phase with 48th Aircraft

MARHAM, UK – In a significant boost to the United Kingdom’s aerial combat capabilities, Lockheed Martin has officially delivered the 46th, 47th, and 48th F-35B Lightning II aircraft to the Royal Air Force (RAF). This delivery marks the successful completion of the UK’s Initial Procurement Phase, fulfilling a cornerstone of the nation’s long-term defense strategy.

The three stealth fighters arrived at RAF Marham, the operational hub for the UK’s Lightning fleet. This milestone arrives as the British government reaffirms its strategic roadmap to eventually procure a total of 138 F-35 aircraft, ensuring its position as a leading operator within the global F-35 enterprise.

As one of 20 nations—and 13 in Europe—to integrate the combat-proven 5th-generation platform, the UK continues to strengthen its national security while enhancing interoperability within NATO’s collective defense framework.