Britain's newest fighter jets have been declared "combat ready" and will soon be deployed on operations.

Sky News understands a plan is being drawn up for the jets to be sent to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus this spring.

If initial operations run smoothly, it is possible that they could be used on strike missions against Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria by the summer.

Image: The RAF's new F35s made their first public appearance in July

Speaking at their home base, RAF Marham in Norfolk, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "The incredible F35s are ready for operations.

"I won't go into specifics (on) where they're going to be deployed (but) this is a fighting aircraft that is there to be used and to keep Britain safe.


"Just in the last 19 days we've seen 10 strikes against Daesh (IS). We cannot be complacent, we cannot sit back, we cannot take it for granted that Daesh would be defeated."

Image: Prince Charles got a look at the UK's first F35 at RAF Marham in Norfolk last summer

The news comes weeks after Donald Trump announced that he would pull US troops out of Syria.

Mr Williamson continued: "The US has made clear it's a conditions-based approach they will take in Syria and we will continue to work with them and other allies.

"Our nation is moving into a new era outside the EU, and our huge achievements in air capability make our commitment to a role on the world stage clear to both our allies and our enemies."

Image: Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the UK would continue to work with the US despite their strategy in Syria

The design and manufacture of the F35, primarily by US firm Lockheed Martin, has been the most expensive weapons programme in history and is running considerably over original budget expectations.

The UK currently owns nine F35s but has committed to ordering 138 over the next 30 years.

They will be flown jointly by the RAF and Royal Navy and are capable of landing on the UK's new aircraft carriers.

The announcement coincides with the retirement of the Tornado aircraft - a long stalwart of Britain's armed forces.

It was introduced into service in 1979 and first saw operational duty during the 1991 Gulf War. It went on to fly missions in Afghanistan, Libya and Syria.

The UK combat air sector supports over 18,000 jobs with an annual turnover of £6bn.

The global F35 programme alone provides more than 25,000 jobs to the UK firms in the supply chain.