The Scotsman

Stealth landing marks Britain’s naval ‘rebirth’

- By DAN O’DONOGHUE

Stealth fighter jets have landed on the deck of the UK’S new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth for the first time.

The F-35 Lightning fighter jets touched down on the Royal Navy’s £3.1 billion flagship on the US east coast on Tuesday.

Defencesec­retarygavi­nwilliamso­n said the event marked Britain’s naval “rebirth”.

The landings mark the start of more than 500 take-offs and touch-downs set to take place from the warship during the next 11 weeks, with the jets being put through their paces in a range of weather conditions. Mr Williamson said: “The largest warship in British history is joining forces with the most advanced fighter jets on the planet. This marks a rebirth of our power to strike decisively from the seas anywhere in the world.

“The historic first landing on the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth is a monumental moment in our country’s proud military history. It is also a statement of Britain’s determinat­ion to promote peace and prevent war.”

 ??  ?? Gavin Williamson says the first landing is ‘historic’
Gavin Williamson says the first landing is ‘historic’

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