The United Kingdom has formally announced Initial Operational Capability for its land-based F-35 fleet becoming the fifth service to declare their fleet ready for combat.

UK Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson MP made the announcement during an event at RAF Marham in England, the home base for British F-35s. The base has benefited from considerable investment in support of F-35 sustainment, including a new integrated training centre for pilots and maintenance crew, the development of which was led by Lockheed Martin.  

The F-35 is creating security and prosperity for the UK, providing 5^th generation capabilities and generating $1bn per year for the UK economy.

Lockheed Martin UK is the UK-based arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation and has operated in the country for nearly 80 years. Headquartered in London, we employ approximately 2,000 people at more than 20 sites across the country.

From mail sorting technology to helping build the UK’s first commercial spaceport, our innovations and partnerships help solve some of the world’s most complex challenges, contributing to the UK’s defence, security and prosperity.

Lockheed Martin spends approximately £1 billion with UK businesses every year, supporting more than 1,000 companies, 75% of which are Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs), helping to secure around 10,000 jobs.

In addition, the F-35 programme, which Lockheed Martin is leading, will generate US$1bn per year for the UK economy at its peak, with 15% of every jet produced being made in the UK, securing a further 24,000 jobs.

The people of Lockheed Martin are critical to our success as a business – their work making a difference, every day. Our customers rely on their skills, knowledge and passion to deliver, time and time again. We are a diverse and inclusive organisation offering exciting careers for apprentices, interns, graduates and experienced professionals alike.