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F-35 Lightning jets join with HMS Queen Elizabeth for first time

Published on: 16 Oct 2019

Pictures have been released of the UK's F-35 Lightning fighter jets teaming up with the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth for the first time.

The images from the Ministry of Defence show the aircraft landing, taking off and hovering around the ship ahead of forthcoming operational trials off the eastern coast of the USA.

This 'end-to-end' testing of the aircraft and personnel on the vessel will ensure the Lightnings are compatible with the carrier and that they can together fulfil their intended purposes in international defence. It follows successful trials last year using American Lightning craft.

The Lightning is the first jet to combine radar-evading stealth technology with supersonic speed and the ability to land vertically.

It is to be used alongside the Typhoon and will be capable of conducting missions including air-to-surface, electronic warfare and intelligence gathering simultaneously.

Defence secretary Ben Wallace said: "The bringing together of the UK Lightnings on the first in class HMS Queen Elizabeth paves the way for the world's most up to date, fully integrated carrier force."