Second Lightning squadron sets up home at RAF Marham
A second unit of the latest fighter jets is now ready for takeoff in West Norfolk.
A new detachment of F-35 Lightning planes arrived at RAF Marham on Tuesday evening from the United States.
They will form the new 207 Squadron, which will bring training work on the new aircraft to Britain for the first time.
The new squadron formally begins its role next month, with the first pilot training courses due to begin in early September.
Wing Commander Scott Williams, the new squadron's commanding officer, said: “After experiencing the excellent training offered by our US allies and achieving a good level of experience and knowledge across our instructors, the time is now right to move 207 Squadron from the USA to the UK.
"We are thoroughly looking forward to being based at RAF Marham and training our F-35 pilots here in the UK.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief of the Air Staff, said he was "delighted" at the unit's arrival in West Norfolk.
He added: “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.”
Armed Forces Minister Mark 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.”