Its short take-off and vertical landing capabilities mean the aircraft can be launched from the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, currently the HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. The RAF has committed to buy 48 of the jets by 2025, and subsequently a further 90, with the Lightning intended as the replacement for the retired Harrier GR9 and Tornado GR4 jets. However, its first iteration, the F-35B, was eventually introduced for the US Marines in 2015, with the F-35A arriving with the US Air Force in 2016 and the F-35C earlier this year.Īround 420 have now been produced, with the Lightning first entering combat in 2018 with the Israeli Air Force, one of 12 countries outside the US to commit to orders for the aircraft.

The Lightning faced criticism during its development, which began in 1992, for being “plagued with design flaws” and for falling behind schedule while also going well over budget.Īn investigation by The Timesalso found the F-35s could not transmit data to older planes without revealing its own position to the enemy, while its weight, onboard software and range at max speed (around 150 miles) also facing scrutiny. The development of the F-35 Lightning II is the most expensive military programme in history (AFP/Getty Images)

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