UK delays full operating capability for F-35B fleet by two years

The UK’s Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II force has suffered a schedule setback after it was revealed that full operating capability (FOC) for the fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighter fleet – which was initially planned to be declared in 2023 – has now slipped by two years to 2025. This schedule slippage was revealed on September 12 by James Heappey, Minister of State for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), in response to a Parliamentary written question from John Healey, Shadow