Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier confirmed today that the UK will be making a full buy of 138 F-35 fighter jets as planned.
The Chief of the Air Staff made his remarks during a keynote speech at the Royal Aeronautical Society's Air Power conference at the RAF Museum Hendon this morning.
RAF in future - 2 extra Typhoon sqns, full buy of 138 F-35s (giving an extra sqn in 2023,) extending E-3 Sentry, 9 x P-8 Poseidons Hillier.
— Tim Robinson (@RAeSTimR) September 29, 2016
The Royal Air Force and Royal Navy will both operate Britain's fleet of F-35Bs, with their primary role being the air wing of the UK's two 65,000 ton Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. ®