Four F-35Bs, the United Kingdom's first, arrived at RAF Marham on this day, June 6, 2018, marking a significant milestone for the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy as they prepared to declare the jets operational later that year. 
 
Departing from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina earlier that morning, the four F-35Bs, piloted by British pilots from 617 Squadron and refueled by the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport, touched down in Marham at approximately 8:15 p.m. local time. 
 
The early arrival of the British jets at Marham, two months ahead of schedule, allow extended training time as pilots gear up for an initial operational capability declaration later this year. 
 
"These formidable fighters are a national statement of our intent to protect ourselves and our allies from intensifying threats across the world," said UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson.  "With a game-changing ability to collect crucial intelligence, fight wars, and tackle terrorism, these are the most advanced jets in British history. The work that's gone into their early arrival shows they have the people to match." 

Since June 2018, the UK has continued to develop its F-35 program. It has also been working to integrate the F-35 with other UK military assets, such as the Typhoon fighter jet.