One of the most advanced fighter planes ever constructed is set to be operated by a Royal Navy formation for the first time.

Originally formed in 1941, 809 Naval Air Squadron has been resurrected to fly the new F-35B Lightning.

The F-35B squadron will be stood up on Friday.

• New Lightning F-35B stealth fighters arrive at RAF Marham
• New £161m contract for F-35 maintenance and training to support UK’s fleet until 2027
• First F-35 shipborne rolling vertical landing to be made on HMS Prince of Wales

‘A phoenix is rising from the flames’

Dating back to the Second World War, 809 Naval Air Squadron was selected by the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, because of its illustrious history as a strike and attack squadron.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Royal Navy said: “Lightning is forecast this Friday… A phoenix is rising from the flames… Are you ready for the Immortals? Friday, December 8, 2023, RAF Marham.”

The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth jet that is capable of ground attack, air superiority and air-to-air combat – all of which will be carried out by the pilots of 809 Naval Air Squadron.

The squadron first saw action in 1941 in the Arctic, operating the Fairey Fulmar, going on to serve in Malta, North Africa, Salerno, the south of France, the Aegean, Burma, Suez and the Falklands.

It was decommissioned in December 1982, with its eight Sea Harriers having served in the Falklands conflict – with none being lost.

The UK’s current fleet of F-35Bs is operated by 617 Squadron, which draws its personnel from both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

The fleet of F-35s is being maintained and supported by Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems thanks to a £161m contract.

The deal looks to support the F-35 fleet until 2027, allowing the UK more freedom to operate the aircraft, increase the number of flying hours and deliver mission planning, training and maintenance.