British Defence Minister Stuart Andrew announced the UK’s F-35B Lightning has carried out its first trial armed with UK-built advanced short-range air-to-air missiles in late August.
The light was part of a series of trials aimed at achieving initial operating capability of 617 Squadron based at RAF Marham, Norfolk, which is scheduled for December.
The minister was speaking on a visit to the Defence Electronics and Components Agency at Sealand in Wales, which is planned to become a global repair hub for the F-35 Lightning, providing maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for F-35 avionics, electronic and electrical components, fuel, mechanical and hydraulic systems.