Sneak peek: Royal Navy fighter jet debuts later this year

The Royal Navy has said their new strike fighter will make its UK debut later this year.

The F-35B Lightning II stealth jet which will fly from the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers is due to appear at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in July.

Royal Navy personnel are currently testing and evaluating the new jets as part of 17(R) Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

The F-35B will be flown by the United States Marine Corps and, as well as a flypast, will demonstrate the vertical landing capability of the new jet.

The UK government recently announced plans to speed up the purchase of 24 of the combat aircraft, a decision that will see two front-line squadrons – 809 NAS and 617 Squadron RAF – operating from the UK’s two new aircraft carriers by 2023.

The F-35B’s appearance will be the latest in a long list of military aircraft that have made their UK debut at RIAT.

These have included the F-14 Tomcat in 1976, the MiG-23 in 1991, the Typhoon in 1995, the V-22 Osprey in 2006 and the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force Kawasaki P1 in 2015.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong 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.”

“I am sure many people will want to join us to witness this piece of aviation history being made.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust.

Images: Royal Navy