BRITAIN'S newest stealth fighter jet armed with Bolton-built weapons has carried out its first trials.

The F-35B Lightning carries short range air-to-air missiles built by MBDA missile systems off Bridgewater Avenue, Westhoughton.

The flight took place earlier this month has been described as a "landmark milestone" by the Ministry of Defence.

The jet, which was flown by a British pilot from RAF 17 Squadron, took to the skies from Edwards Air Force base in southern California.

Stuart Andrew, the defence minister, said: “The F-35 Lightning fleet has moved another step closer to defending the skies and supporting our illustrious aircraft carriers with this landmark flight. Exceptional engineering from the UK is not only helping to build what is the world’s most advanced fighter jet, but is also ensuring that it is equipped with the very best firepower.

“This flight by a British pilot, in a British F-35 jet with British-built weapons is a symbol of the major part we are playing in what is the world’s biggest ever defence programme, delivering billions for our economy and a game-changing capability for our Armed Forces.”

These latest trials were the first time UK weapons have flown on a British F-35 jet and are part of the testing being done before the aircraft become operational in December.

The MBDA missiles will allow pilots to engage and defend themselves against other aircraft ranging in size from large multi-engine aircraft to small drones.

The fighter jets will be jointly manned by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy and can operate from land and sea. They form part of Carrier Strike when operating from the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.

The new 65,000 tonne HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier crossed the Atlantic for the first time this month to carry out its own tests, landing fast jets on its deck.

3,000 F-35 jets are planned for production and 15 per cent of them are being made by UK companies like MBDA. The MoD says the programme will contribute £35 billion to the economy.

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