F-35B Completes First Flight Test Using British-Built Weapons

The test took place in the United States (Image: Lockheed Martin US).

Britain's F-35B has carried out its first trials while armed with weapons built in the UK.

The aircraft was flown by a British pilot from 617 Squadron and set off from Edwards Air Force base in southern California, carrying Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM).

It means the jet is closer to operational readiness.

No weapons were released during the test flight.

The milestone was revealed by Defence Minister Stuart Andrew, who was appointed as Defence Minister in July, while visiting the Defence Electronics and Components Agency in Wales - the site set to become the repair hub for the aircraft.

Mr Andrew 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.

“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.”

The trials were the first-time UK weapons have flown on a British F-35.

The ASRAAMs will enable pilots to engage and defend themselves against other aircraft.

Four of Britain's F-35B aircraft arrived at RAF Marham for the first time in June, with a further five touching down at the start of this month.

British companies are building 15% by value of all 3,000 F-35s planned for production.

In total, the UK has committed to purchasing 138 of the aircraft.

The F-35B is the first jet to combine radar-evading 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.

617 Squadron, based at RAF Marham, will carry out their own weaponry flights in the next few months.