The UK’s F-35B Lightning force reached a landmark last week with the arrival of aircraft BK43 and BK45 at RAF Marham, completing the Initial Procurement Phase and bringing the total operational fleet to 47 aircraft. While the headlines focus on the milestone, the implications for the defence supply chain extend well beyond the delivery itself. Air Commodore Layden, Combat Air Force Commander, framed the moment in forward-looking terms: “We look to the future with confidence, and this year will see us making the most of our new aircraft as we showcase our ability to project and integrate 5th-generation combat power…
