Due to bad weather, the expected arrival of the first British F-35 jets to the UK today has been cancelled.



Just wait for the tabloid headings erroneously claiming the F-35 can’t fly in bad weather. Just wait for them.

The jets will arrive at the earliest opportunity and remain two months ahead of schedule. Rightfully, the RAF want to ensure optimal conditions for the flight, and safety remains paramount. Tomorrow remains a possibility.

It's one thing to cross the Atlantic in an ETOPS-certified twin or four-engined commercial jet. Quite another to do it in a single-engined aircraft. — Gareth Corfield (@GazTheJourno) June 5, 2018

Obviously these aircraft can fly in bad weather but given there’s no operational imperative to do so, they’re not taking the risk with the lives of those involved for a photo-op. This is standard practice with all types unless on operations, risking crew and equipment when not required would be foolish. Let’s not forget the risk bad weather adds to aerial refuelling.

An MoD spokesperson said:

“Due to adverse weather conditions, the planned departure of the UK’s jets from the US will not take place today. They will arrive at the earliest opportunity and remain two months ahead of schedule.

The RAF want to ensure optimal conditions for the flight, and safety remains paramount.”