The Royal Air Force Received Two Additional F-35B Lightning II Stealth Fighter Jets

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has received two additional F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.

Both aircraft flew directly from Fort Worth, Texas, with the support of RAF Voyager air tankers flying from RAF Base Brize Norton.

A $204.6 million contract last April revealed that Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems would maintain and support the UK's F-35B fighter aircraft fleet.

In RAF service, the F-35B flies alongside the Eurofighter Typhoon on air-to-surface, electronic warfare, intelligence gathering, and air-to-air missions.

The F-35B's stealth capabilities allow it to operate undetected in hostile airspace.

While its built-in sensors, sensor fusion, and data link provide enhanced situational awareness for pilots.

With its Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capability, the F-35B can operate from the new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and ships of the Allied nations, as well as short runways.

According to a statement from Lockheed Martin, the RAF and Royal Navy have established plans to operate 138 F-35Bs.

The UK currently has a combined total of 32 F-35Bs.