Tri-Service
F-35B Declared Operational
The F-35B has been declared operational.
The aircraft that will replace both the Harrier and Tornado for the British forces is now officially ready for combat in the US Marine Corps service.
It’s a key moment for a troubled procurement programme, which is years late and massively over-budget.
It comes after Defence Secretary Michael Fallon visited BAE Systems' F-35 facility to mark the completion of the 200th rear fuselage for the Lightning II programme.
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