The U.S. Air Force is set to transport two Lockheed Martin-built F-35Â fighter jets from Luke Air Force Base to the U.K. for a series of British air shows in the summer, Reuters reported Tuesday.
Andrea Shalal writes the jets will be displayed at both the Royal International Air Tattoo and the Farnborough air show in July and one will also fly with vintage warplanes on so-called heritage flights.
“We’re very excited about demonstrating this capability to the world,” said Gen. Mark Welsh, Air Force chief of staff.
The two Air Force fighter jets will join other F-35 jets from the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.K. at the air shows, according to Reuters.
Air Tattoo said Tuesday its organizers expect the F-35B version of the aircraft to exhibit its “hover” capability at the air show.
“The plan for F-35 aircraft to take part in air shows here in the UK this summer is a significant milestone — for our RAF and Royal Navy personnel training hard to fly the F-35; for British industry who are contributing an impressive 15 per cent of every aircraft; and for the British public who will have their first opportunity to see this remarkable aircraft in action,” said Michael Fallon, the U.K. defense secretary.
