LONDON Nov. 27 (People's Daily Online) —— British Ministry of Defence has ordered four Lightning II stealth combat aircraft, which will operate from both the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers and RAF land bases. The contract for the F-35B aircraft forms part of the MOD’s investment in Lightning II over the next five years to procure an initial 14 of these multi-role fifth generation aircraft, as well as putting in place the necessary support arrangements and infrastructure. Further contracts will cover the procurement of a range of equipment such as engines.

Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology, Philip Dunne MP, said:

“Not only does our investment in these next generation aircraft afford us air superiority, but the UK’s tier one status in the entire programme provides UK industry with a unique opportunity to produce world-leading products, technologies and manufacturing expertise for coming decades. The aircraft will be a powerful testament to the strength and capability of British industry.

“In addition, with the aircraft being supported and operated from RAF Marham, this will create job opportunities for the local community, as well as maintaining its key role as an RAF operating and engineering sustainment base which will support the military and civilian workforce for years to come.”

The news comes as a UK test team has completed initial aircraft handling trials for ASRAAM and Paveway IV on the F-35B aircraft. These initial tests are an important step in integrating weapons onto the F-35B, allowing test pilots to understand how they affect the way the aircraft performs and handles.

The aircraft are short take off and vertical landing (STOVL) and feature the latest stealth and intelligence surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) technology.