F-35 aircraft missing from the RAF: “These are fifth-generation stealth fighters. If anything, it shows that they work perfectly”

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) started its F-35 program in 2001 - initial plans were to purchase 138 aircraft but the program has suffered numerous setbacks and delays.

The first batch of F-35s were delivered at the end of last year with Defence Minister Lord Coaker confirming that the UK is expected to have a total of 41 F-35Bs on inventory by May of this year.

RAF’s “invisible” stealth fighters go missing

However, on top of the delivery delays, the MoD now has another, more concerning problem. When RAF engineers conducted a routine check at RAF Marham, they discovered that several aircraft were missing.

A standard flight line inspection of F-35s stored in RAF Marham hangars “revealed that a number of jets were not immediately locatable”.

An explanation of sorts was given for the missing fighter jets: “These are fifth-generation stealth fighters. If anything, this proves they’re working perfectly,” an MoD official wryly noted. “This actually aligns with the intended operational profile. If you can’t find them, that’s kind of the point.”

F-35B specs and operational use

The F-35B is a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the fifth-generation fighter. The 30 jets currently in service are jointly operated by the RAF and Royal Navy. The F-35B is central to the UK’s carrier strike capability, operating from both RAF bases and the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.

It is a supersonic, fifth generation fighter, which combines sophisticated stealth capabilities with the speed and agility of fighter aircraft, fully integrated sensor information, network-supported operations, sophisticated logistics and preservation.

Fifth Generation fighter pilots can see enemy aircraft first and take decisive action and turn off from standby distance. The F-35‘s ability to avoid radar allows it to see and not be seen - a step up from the previous generation’s air-to-air tactics.

The three variants of the F-35 (F-35A, F-35B and F-35C) completed their maiden flights between October and November 2011.

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