Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon MP
Vigilance can report that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has welcomed the announcement that the UK will be the first country in Europe to host two new US squadrons of F-35 fighter jets.
The US Department of Defence (DOD) has announced that RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk will become home to the first two US F-35 squadrons in Europe, with the first aircraft due to arrive in 2020. The move confirms the American military presence in the UK for the foreseeable future. It also means that for the first time in decades the US Air Force and the RAF will have operated the same type of aircraft from the UK.
As part of a wider review of its basing requirements across Europe, the US has decided to end its presence at RAF Mildenhall. The precise timing for their final withdrawal has still to be determined, but it is expected to correspond with the period in which the US plan to increase their presence at the adjacent RAF Lakenheath.
Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon: “This resounding vote of confidence by the US is great news for the UK. Our historic relationship with the US remains as strong as ever, and their decision to base their first European F-35 squadrons in the UK clearly reflects the closeness of our partnership, as well as the American commitment to NATO and Europe."
Secretary Fallon enthused: “I am delighted that the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and US Air Force will be operating this superb aircraft alongside one another from bases in the UK. It is an indication of the strength of our continuing shared commitment to transatlantic security. Of course, the US decision to drawdown its presence at RAF Mildenhall is disappointing. However, we recognise that such changes are sometimes necessary.”
The basing of the US Air Force F-35 squadrons in such proximity to the RAF’s F-35 Lightning II jets – to be based at RAF Marham in Norfolk – will allow for considerable collaboration between the two forces. The RAF and Royal Navy will explore the opportunities for training and wider support partnerships, including flight training simulation.
Air Marshal Sir Barry North, RAF Deputy Commander for Capability, said: "The RAF is delighted that the USAF will base its first two European F-35 squadrons at RAF Lakenheath. With the UK’s Lightning II based so close-by at RAF Marham, this decision provides us with an excellent opportunity to sustain and to develop further our close operating relationship with our US partners.”
The build up of US capabilities and subsequent increased investment at RAF Lakenheath is particularly welcome as it will lessen the impact of the base consolidation decisions also being announced by the DOD today. However, the investments the US is making at RAF Lakenheath, and the advance notice given, will reduce any local impact of the Mildenhall drawdown.
Additionally the US facilities at Alconbury and Molesworth will be returned to the MOD, with associated US roles and missions being completed within a single facility at RAF Croughton