The U.K. defense ministry has placed an initial production order for four Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) F-35B fighters.
The agency said Monday the British government plans to buy a total of 14 F-35Bs during the next five years and build the necessary infrastructure to accommodate the fleet.
Lockheed will build the four jets to operate from Royal Air Force stations and Royal Navy aircraft carriers.
A U.K. aviation team has tested Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles and Paveway II laser-guided bombs that were integrated on F-35B aircraft during recent trials held at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland.
The demonstration aimed to help British test pilots operate and maneuver the aircraft.
The F-35B is a short takeoff and vertical landing variant and designed with technology for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions.
