F-35s arrive early

The first delivery of Britain's new F-35 fighter jets has arrived two months ahead of schedule, with four of the aircraft landing at RAF Marham in Norfolk.

Marham will be the new home for the aircraft, which flew over from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in the US, where more of the jets and 150 RAF personnel have been involved in training.

Flown in by pilots from the reformed 617 squadron - famous for the Dambusters raid - the plans will undertake their next steps in their integration into RAF service when they land on the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth as part of the next stage of trials.

Thanks to their early arrival, the F-35s should be service-ready by the end of the year, helping ensure that Britain's defence capability is at the cutting edge of military technology in an uncertain age.

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson said: "These formidable fighters are a national statement of our intent to protect ourselves and our allies from intensifying threats across the world.

"With a game-changing ability to collect crucial intelligence, fight wars and tackle terrorism, these are the most advanced jets in British history."