Tri-Service
F-35 To Make First UK Appearances
The US Marine Corps has confirmed that the F-35 will make its first appearances at UK airshows this summer.
Britain plans to buy 138 of the jets for the RAF and Royal Navy, with the first due to be in service by 2018. They'll fly from the country's new aircraft carriers.
And UK enthusiasts will now get their first glimpse of the aircraft, with two US Air Force F-35s flying over from Arizona for displays at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) and Farnborough Air Show in July.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
"The plan for F-35 aircraft to take part in air shows here in the UK this summer is a significant milestone – for our RAF and Royal Navy personnel training hard to fly the F-35; for British industry who are contributing an impressive 15 per cent of every aircraft; and for the British public who will have their first opportunity to see this remarkable aircraft in action."
"The F-35s are the most advanced fast jets in the world. Whether operating from land or from one of our two new aircraft carriers - the UK’s largest ever - they will ensure we have a cutting edge and formidable fighting force."
RIAT's organisers say its visitors will be "the first outside the US to see the stealthy, supersonic aircraft's state-of-the-art capabilities". Andy Armstrong, chief executive, said:
"No doubt, the sight of F-35s in the sky will be quite common for future generations but this summer, all those who attend our air show will enjoy a first glimpse of that future."
"Over the years, the Air Tattoo has featured the UK and European debuts of some of the world's most iconic aircraft but few will have been as important to the UK's future defence capability as the F-35."
The F-35 was originally due to make its debut in the UK two years ago but was pulled from airshows because of an engine fire.
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