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F-35 Aircraft

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 17 June 2026UIN 8248

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, following the completion of the delivery of the 48th F-35B Lightning II, what is the distribution of F-35Bs across the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm’s a) operational and b) training locations.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones

Following delivery of the 48th UK F-35B Lightning aircraft, 42 are currently based at RAF Marham.

These aircraft are distributed between two frontline squadrons, 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron, which provide operational capability and participate in exercises worldwide, and the Operational Conversion Unit, 207 Squadron, which is responsible for pilot training.

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