Defence Minister revealed that a British F-35
Lightning jet reached the landmark milestone whilst he was on a
visit to the Defence Electronics and Components Agency (DECA) in
Wales.
The Welsh site is set to become a global repair hub for the
cutting-edge aircraft, providing crucial maintenance, repair,
overhaul and upgrade services for F-35 avionics, electronic and
electrical components, fuel, mechanical and hydraulic systems.
The jet, which was flown by a British pilot from RAF 17 Squadron,
took to the skies from Edwards Air Force base in southern
California for the momentous flight carrying ASRAAM air-to-air
missiles.
Defence Minister said:
The F-35 Lightning fleet has moved another step closer to
defending the skies and supporting our illustrious aircraft
carriers with this landmark flight. Exceptional engineering
from the UK is not only helping to build what is the world’s
most advanced fighter jet, but is also ensuring that it is
equipped with the very best firepower.
This flight by a British pilot, in a British F-35 jet with
British-built weapons is a symbol of the major part we are
playing in what is the world’s biggest ever defence programme,
delivering billions for our economy and a game-changing
capability for our Armed Forces.
The trials were the first-time UK weapons have flown on a British
F-35, and represent a key part of the work-up towards Initial
Operating Capability in December.
The ASRAAM missiles, built by MBDA in Bolton, are just some of
the essential parts the UK is supplying the F-35 programme.
ASRAAM stands for ‘Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile’. The
missiles will enable pilots to engage and defend themselves
against other aircraft ranging in size from large multi-engine
aircraft to small drones.
British companies are building 15% by value of all 3,000 F-35s
planned for production. It is projected that around £35 billion
will be contributed to the UK economy through the programme, with
around 25,000 British jobs also being supported.
The F-35B Lightning multi-role fighter jet is the first to
combine radar evading stealth technology with supersonic speeds
and short take-off and vertical landing capability.
The fighter jets will be jointly manned by the Royal Air Force
and the Royal Navy and can operate from land and sea, forming a
vital part of Carrier Strike when operating from the Queen
Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
617 Squadron, based at RAF Marham, will carry out their own
weaponry flights in the next few months.
