Lockheed Martin Corp said the UK Defence Secretary John Hutton during a visit in Washington announced plans to purchase three Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II operational test aircraft.
This signals the UK’s commitment to the upcoming operational test and evaluation phase of the Joint Strike Fighter program. The UK plans to buy 138 F-35s for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
Lockheed Martin said the F-35B is the first aircraft to combine stealth with short takeoff/ vertical landing (STOVL) capability and supersonic speed.
The UK is investing US$2 billion in the F-35's development - the largest contribution among the program's eight partner nations. More than 100 British companies are involved in the program, including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and ejection seat maker Martin Baker.
The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation stealth fighter. Three variants derived from a common design, developed together and using the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide will replace at least 13 types of aircraft for 11 nations initially.