UK receives second Lightning fighter jet squadron

Defence Minister Mark Lancaster has welcomed the arrival of a second training squadron of state-of-the-art F-35 Lightning jets to RAF Marham.

The arrival of 207 Squadron, including the UK’s 18th jet, will see all training on the next-generation jet conducted in the UK for the first time.

207 Squadron will formally stand up on 1 August 2019 and the first F-35 pilot course at RAF Marham is due to commence in early-September.

Lancaster said: “The arrival of 207 Squadron represents another milestone in the progress of this world-beating aircraft. As we welcome 207 Squadron home from our US allies, the transatlantic military relationship continues to be the strongest and deepest of any two nations in the world.”

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief of the Air Staff, said: “I was delighted to see the second squadron of the most advanced and dynamic fighter jet in our history arrive today at RAF Marham. Being able to train our pilots in the UK is another great leap in our sovereign capability and will ensure the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy can train our pilots to fight and win with these extraordinary jets, which will sit at the heart of our country’s globally deployable forces.”