Stealth jet takes to skies with British missiles

A supersonic stealth jet has completed its first test flight armed with British missiles.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the milestone means its F-35 Lightning jet is a step closer to operations on the front line.

Defence minister Stuart Andrew revealed the test flight on a visit to a Welsh site which is set to become the repairs base for the F-35 aircraft.

He said: “Exceptional engineering from the UK is not only helping to build what is the world’s most advanced fighter jet, but is also ensuring it’s equipped with the very best firepower. This flight by a British pilot, in a British F-35 jet with British-built weapons, is a symbol of the major part we are playing in what is the world’s biggest ever defence programme, delivering billions for our economy and a game-changing capability for our armed forces.”

Mr Andrew was speaking at the Defence Electronics and Components Agency in Wales, which is set to become a global repair hub for F-35 systems.

The F-35B Lightning multi-role fighter jet is the first to combine radar-evading stealth technology with supersonic speeds and short take-off and vertical landing capability. They will be jointly manned by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.