LIGHTNING 11 Will Fly from RAF Marham – the Joint Strike Aircraft, the F-35B LIGHTNING 11 will be based at RAF Marham (Norfolk) which will become the aircraft type Main Operating Base.    The LIGHTNING 11 will be jointly operated by the Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm.    The first two (2) “British” LIGHTNING 11 aircraft are currently participating in the US test programme and will remain in the USA.    The UK can expect to receive front line aircraft from 2015 onwards with an initial operating capability from land in 2018, followed by first of class flights from Aircraft Carrier QUEEN ELIZABETH later that year.  

The original intention (announced in 2005) was to base the aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth but following the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review and all the subsequent changes.